An inspirational new project in Dumfries and Galloway has brought together different generations with the aim of raising awareness of dementia and tackling the issues of stereotypes and ageism. The project gave a shared opportunity for primary school children and people with dementia to socialise together through various activities such as arts, baking and playing games. Facilitated by Alzheimer Scotland Social Work student Janice Chombe, and supported by local Alzheimer Scotland staff, the project ran for four weeks with children attending a day care centre once a week, and people with dementia visiting the school.
The initiative was designed to help the children to understand some of the changes a person with dementia faces, such as memory loss that can cause difficulties with concentration, and losing the ability to say the right words or understand what is being said. It was important for the children to understand that these changes might leave people with dementia feeling frustrated or withdrawn, which could lead them to avoid situations where they have to communicate with people.
A key aim of the project was to boost the children’s confidence when interacting with family members or people in the community living with dementia. During the school visits it was important to see the children display skills such as respecting people who may look and act differently from themselves and demonstrating empathy towards people with dementia. This ‘perspective-taking’ is a crucial social skill and selfawareness skill for children. The project involved lots of intergenerational teamwork which encouraged better communication and relationship building. This helped establish confidence and informed the children, enabling them to challenge stereotypes and address any fears they may have had about dementia.
The purpose of the cross-age activities was to encourage social interaction between the different generations, which increased a sense of belonging for people with dementia. The program had great benefits for all participants. The children have learnt how to communicate with people with dementia, by speaking clearly and slowly, giving the person enough time to respond and finding the right words to express themselves. Everyone worked together, sharing and learning from each other’s experiences, and all involved said that they had so much fun.
