Reducing stigma starts with the words we use, and shifting the way we talk about dementia is a powerful step forward. At Ryman, we believe it is important to reduce the stigma that surrounds dementia, along with the discrimination faced by people living with dementia. There are many ways that we can help achieve this.
Using appropriate language when referring to people with dementia is important. This helps foster a more inclusive society that benefits those experiencing cognitive decline as well as their families and the wider community.
Sometimes people are afraid to call out their peers or family members, but it is important to challenge inappropriate language when it is safe to do so. We can also challenge media portrayals by calling out inappropriate images and suggesting more positive representations of dementia.
Across all areas of Ryman, from the villages to the offices, individual team members can make a difference by promoting understanding and awareness of dementia. Reflecting on any unconscious biases within ourselves may also change how we engage with those living with dementia. Having an open culture of care allows us to reflect on our ideas and practices, ensuring that our approach is always compassionate and inclusive.
For team members working with residents living with dementia, it is important to speak directly with residents and their families to better understand their perspectives and promote the use of dementia-friendly language. We encourage family members to be mindful of the words that they are using. For example, instead of referring to someone as a ‘wanderer,’ it can be rephrased as, ‘someone who walks around a lot.’ This ensures the language used is respectful and positive.
Ryman also encourages residents within our villages to help and interact with each other as part of building a fun and inclusive community. The craft group at Keith Park Village, for example, recently made twiddle-muffs, which provide visual, tactile, and sensory stimulation. This enjoyable activity was fun for the group and supported residents in the village who are living with dementia.
Ryman’s commitment to supporting residents living with dementia has earned us Alzheimer’s New Zealand Dementia Friendly accreditation. It’s thanks to our team members with lived experience of dementia that we’ve achieved this. People who care for loved ones with dementia, as well as those living with dementia, should be involved in decision-making processes. This is how we truly challenge stigma of any kind – by giving people a seat at the table.
“They’re so supportive here at the village, just lovely, lovely people. They keep me up to date on how she is doing. It’s great being able to trust them to look after everything, it’s very reassuring,” says Linda, whose mother, Pat, is in dementia care at a Ryman village.
At Ryman we know that living well with dementia is not just about quality of care, it’s also about quality of life, including spontaneity, laughter, and fun. It takes a community to support people living with dementia, and that’s exactly what we’ve created: supportive and caring communities that work to improve the experiences of our residents.
When people visit Ryman dementia care centres, they often tell us that they feel the difference. There’s something in the way residents and our team members interact, their genuine affinity with one another. It’s something to be experienced, so we encourage you to contact us and have a chat with our friendly team.