Dementia Australia has released a guide co-authored by people impacted by dementia, for organisations to use to engage in meaningful consultation with people who have dementia, their families and carers.
Half the Story is a guide offering information, tips and strategies for inclusive consultation, which helps seek out, affirm and ratify the voices of people impacted by dementia.
Dementia Australia advocates Eileen and Dubgh Taylor, who contributed to Half the Story, said the guide is important because organisations need to be aware of giving people living with dementia a voice.
“People living with dementia and their care partners want more than half the story told, they want the whole story told and understood,” Ms Taylor said.
“By gaining a sound appreciation and understanding of the world of a person living with dementia organisations can help tear down barriers and myths and create dementia-friendly awareness which will benefit not just those living with dementia but the entire community.”
Ms Taylor lives with dementia and Mr Taylor is her care partner.
Mr Taylor said consultation shouldn’t be tokenistic.
“This can include acting as the honorary chair, being on any committees, speaking at meetings, or with the media, or simply attending a support group meeting,” Dubhg said.
“Meaningful consultation must be a person-centred approach encouraging and inviting people living with dementia to purposefully participate in the work of an organisation to which they belong.”
Half the Story is available now for free download at dementiafriendly.org.au
