Keeping friendships going

Use Facebook, social media, texts etc to keep your friendships going.

I have over 20 regular online chat partners across the world, which has helped me through Covid. I don’t really want it to end!

The best way is to tell the world. It has opened up so much support.

Be honest with your friends. (Watch Young Dementia UK’s film here).

When I arrange to meet my friends, they text me with the arrangements, so that I don’t enter them wrongly into my diary.

I use ‘MoonPig’ to send online personalised cards or small hampers to friends.

Keep a list of go-to people who can help with specific issues e.g. repairs, technology issues.

Don’t say you’re fine if you’re not! Be honest.

Some people will say you don’t look as if you have dementia! Try saying something like: “I may sound and look ok now, but there are times when I am not”. Or “Well I have had a [...]

It is often best to be open about your disease. But you might want to call it ‘brain disease’ rather than dementia. Or just the proper name (like Alzheimer’s or FTD).