From left, Phil (USA), Paula (USA), Wendy (Mexico) and Mick (Main picture, Australia)
The Dementia Alliance International (DAI) is providing online support to people living in Commonwealth countries such as Australia, UK, Nigeria and New Zealand as well as other countries across the world including Iran, Japan, Spain, Italy, Indonesia, US, Mexico and Taiwan.
Taking the form of peer-to-peer support, the groups are proving invaluable for those who cannot drive to their local ‘in person’ support group or who live in isolated areas with limited access to services.
They create a safe environment for people living with dementia to share thoughts, feelings or just talk about their day with a group of like-minded people – many of whom have become friends. The support groups are run by people with dementia, for people with dementia, and is a meeting place for people diagnosed with all dementias including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
ZOOM online video conferencing is used to create an experience that is much like sitting around with a group of friends. No typing is required for those who find typing and spelling a challenge as the conferencing takes advantage of webcam and mics, or an iPad or Android tablet or phone, so participants see and hear each other.
It does have its problems though – a former surgeon living in Nigeria has joined the group, but it takes careful planning for when he gets internet.
As well as connectivity problems, the DAI work highlights just some of the many other issues faced in other countries. “In Nigeria, the surgeon knew he could eventually be locked in cells with just a slot for food,” says DAI founder member and Australian dementia advocate Kate Swaffer.
Mick Carmody, a DAI Board member from Brisbane in Queensland Australia is the newly appointed Global Support Group Manager.
For more information or to join a support group, please email info@infodai.org or visit http://www.dementiaallianceinternational.org/services/online-support-groups/