Equal citizens not patients: a new solution to increase understanding of the strengths and hopes of people with dementia

The No Limits| Re-imagining Life with Dementia © Educational Resource aims to challenge misperceptions about people with dementia and to start conversations about the strengths and hopes of men and women with this condition.

The Educational Resource is the culmination of a pioneering two-year research study by University of Southampton senior lecturer, Dr Ruth Bartlett, on the rise of campaigning and ‘activism’ amongst British people with dementia.

Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and developed in collaboration with people with dementia, the Educational Resource, which includes a short documentary film and set of postcards depicting ‘protest placards’, is for any individual or group with an interest in dementia or whose role it is to educate others about people with dementia.

The Resource covers a range of topics from active citizenship, seeing dementia as a journey, to end of life and advance planning.

Mr Gardiner who has vascular dementia and has been involved in this work said: “I have felt accepted, valued, acknowledged, involved and inspired. I have been included in activities that have been empowering.”

Dr Bartlett comments: “The ultimate aim of the original study was to challenge, inform and educate a wider community about the strengths and hopes of those living with dementia, including younger people. I am delighted that we are now at the point of being able to distribute this brand new educational resource amongst individuals and groups working within the community and look forward to igniting a longer-term debate on the issue.”
A further resource for schools is also being developed to help teachers educate the younger generation about the issues faced by those living with dementia.

The resource was launched at a recent event held at the University. The resource’s accompanying film, Agnes & Nancy - a short documentary film by Anne Milne, was screened at the event. A trailer of the film is available to view here

More information about No Limits | Re-imagining life with Dementia can be found at www.nolimitsdementia.com