Connecting Communities: Creating Better Lives Irene Oldfather Director Health and Social Care Alliance

The Story Frustration Fighting with professionals Going from Daughter to Carer Pushed into Role play Loss Freedom Fragmented Loss of identity Treated as a child Loss of choice Live with mystery Isolation Diagnosis

Connecting People

National Dementia Carers Action Network NDCAN National Dementia Carers Action Network National campaigning group, supported by Alzheimer Scotland Members all have experience of caring for someone with dementia – husbands, wives, children, siblings, grandchildren, friends…

Inspiring Communities

What Works?

Make a Difference Campaign I pledge to always ask how the person is feeling each day - Emma 0`Donnell I pledge to press my local MP to review their policy towards dementia, and improve it - Martin Young Captures and shares carers experiences Asks people to make a pledge Pledge Campaign – Over 2500 pledges gathered I pledge to listen, care, give more time for those that need listening too – Hamed Mutahar I pledge to do my best every day for everyone I meet

Make a Difference Campaign

Charter of Rights Set up by Cross Party Working Group Based on PANEL approach Promotes rights of people with dementia and their carers

Closing Thought “A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.” - Donna Roberts

Director, Health & Social Care Alliance Scotland Thank you Irene Oldfather Director, Health & Social Care Alliance Scotland Irene.oldfather@alliance-scotland.org.uk 0141 404 0233 @IreneOldfather @dementiacarervo www.alliance-scotland.org.uk dementiacarervoices.wordpress.com