The following is a more comprehensive version of the Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Language Guidelines 2014. I have uploaded it as a pdf Alzheimer’s Australia full language guidelines 2014 and included each page as an image below. I feel like people with dementia have worked hard to be heard, Alzheimer’s Australia have really listened, and together we hope to bring about changes to the language being used when referring to people with dementia, ensuring it is respectful and non offensive to the majority, even though there will always be some who feel differently. Collectively and collaboratively, I hope we can impact positive global change in the health care sector, service providers, governments, the community, the media and in research so that no longer will people be labelled as things like ‘aggressives’ or ‘wanderers’.
Reblogged this on muntma.
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Reblogged this on Forget-Me-Not and commented:
Kate Swaffer (dementia advocate and person with dementia) posted this guideline onto her blog which gives an outline of what type of language to use when speaking with a person who has dementia or their carer. It is very interesting reading, and hopefully the word will get out there about how upsetting it can be to everyone involved when somebody says “the demented person” or the “sufferer”. It is demeaning and derogatory. I now fully understand why and I try to be very careful when speaking to other people about Steve, whether he’s there or not.
Thanks Dominique… I am so glad it is helpful, and you are promoting it too. I’ve been working on getting it into the ‘sector’ as well, and am hopeful as we work on Dignity in Dementia Care in SA< hospitals and the aged care sector will embrace it too
GP’s also need to be aware of language guidelines. Our GP seems to have a bit of trouble communicating with my husband, and always looks to me for an answer, which is not how it should be. Hopefully everyone will embrace it sooner or later. 🙂
Indeed! Remembering to talk to the person with dementia at all, or even give them eye contact after diagnosis needs to be changed too! 😉
Hi Kate thankyou for the updated list I hadn’t seen this version- really appreciate it , I will make sure its is circulated again. A salient reminder of the opportunity we have to make a difference every time we speak
Thanks Susan… it is very important.
Without changing the language used to refer to us, the stigma, discrimination, exclusion and isolation will simply continue.
Thanks Kate a really timely reminder, I have had to reflect on my language as well looking at the list!
Excellent news…
Thanks for info. You are doing a great job at changing attitudes among families and carers. Have a good day! 💐
Thanks x