Scottish Dementia Working Group - Run by people with dementia

‘Through our eyes’ is the third DVD produced by the Scottish Dementia Working Group. It features seven members of the SDWG and enables viewers to see what it’s like to live life with dementia from the perspective of people with dementia.

DVD – Through our eyes – a life with dementia

The DVD is intended primarily for use as a training and awareness-raising tool amongst professionals at all levels within the health and social care sectors working in dementia care, but it can be used effectively in awareness-raising with all allied health professionals and the general public.

It can also be used with people recently diagnosed with dementia to help them realise that they are not alone and the importance of keeping as involved and as active as possible. Members are frank about their feelings at diagnosis which may also resonate with others newly diagnosed.

The principles of personalisation emerge in the DVD as it effectively shows individuals taking control of their lives with the help of their natural supports and wider community resources.

See more clips from Scottish Dementia Working Group videos

In particular we want to raise awareness and understanding of:

• The individual nature of personal experiences
• How people adapt and live with their dementia and their coping strategies for doing so
• The potential and strengths of people with dementia
• How communities can be ‘dementia friendly’
• The difficulties people experience and what professionals can do to make this easier
• How involving and listening to people with dementia can enhance and develop the practice of staff in dementia services

The DVD runs to 44 minutes and is divided into four chapters:

1. A life with dementia shows that a good life is possible
2. Emotional and cognitive impact demonstrates how dementia has affected the person
3. Physical impact deals with awareness of abilities and looking after physical health
4. What professionals can do to help provides food for thought for professionals

Trainers’ Notes

• Download Trainers’ Notes for ‘Through our eyes’