Stay connected
Welcome to Stay connected. This section is all about creating, maintaining and enjoying relationships with other people. Here is Keith, who lives with dementia, and Professor Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia in England, to introduce this section:
Keith – living with dementia
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Professor Alistair Burns – National Clinical Director for Dementia in England
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New friends from the singing for health group have been great – they have been really helpful. We have continued to meet up on the village green with a flask of tea every few weeks.
A person with dementia speaking to our researchers about connections made during the COVID-19 pandemic
Top Tips for Staying connected
- Make a list of people to phone and plan when to call each one.
- Lots of phones have speed-dial options for numbers you call regularly, so see if someone can help you set this up.
- Try different methods of staying connected: phone, letters or cards, email, Zoom – there’s something for everyone.
- Be prepared to reach out and keep up your side of the two-way communication process.
- Be open to trying new groups. If it is not for you, another one may well be.
Staying connected resources:
Virtual or face to face?
Every form of communication has its pros and cons. This resource helps you consider what works best for you.
Virtual connections
This links you to useful resources on how to use lots of virtual platforms, such as Zoom, to keep you connected to friends and family wherever they are.
Roy the waving man
Meet Roy, an inspirational person who sits on a bench in his village and waves at passers-by. This is a good example of connecting with others in real life.
Strategies for having a conversation (for people with dementia)
This resource draws together key advice about how to feel confident during conversation. You'll also hear directly from Chris and Keith, who both live with dementia.
Strategies for having a conversation (for family and friends)
This resource offers key advice on how to have conversations with people with dementia, so that you both enjoy the experience.
Involving family and friends
This page offers tips on how your broader community of family and friends can remain connected. Having dementia doesn't mean having a small social circle.
Meet other people with dementia
Do you want to meet other people who understand your experiences? This resource makes you aware of the groups are out there and how to join in.
Your local community
Hear from four families about what life is like living with dementia in rural communities. What can be improved to make local communities better for people affected by dementia?
Connecting with your culture
Keeping links with your cultural background can help you feel connected to your identity. In this resource, we hear how different individuals and groups promote these connections.
Language and heritage
Let's talk about first languages and dementia! Hear Welsh, Panjabi and Urdu, and consider the role museums can play in stimulating memories.
Who can I call?
Here you can find links to different telephone friendship or ‘buddy’ schemes which you may want to sign up for.
Writing a letter
Connecting through pen and paper remains a classic option. Here we help you take the steps towards writing letters of your own.
Portraying dementia
Watch a new opera and a new film about the experience of living with dementia. Both productions spoke to people with dementia and carers about how to show dementia realistically.