Celebrating diversity

Getting the right help and advice you need is vital after a dementia diagnosis, and dealing with advisers who understand a family’s cultural values and norms can really help people feel supported during this difficult time.

Our dementia adviser Jaihanne has a duel heritage background. ‘My  father is Sudanese, I am fluent in Arabic and I have a good grasp of North African and Middle Eastern values,’ she says.  

This came to excellent use when she saw an 80 year old Alzheimer’s client, originally from Egypt, and his son. They were looking for stimulating activities that they could do together. ‘I was able to speak to them in their own language and, using my knowledge of their cultural background, was able to recommend music, historical events and other memorabilia to his son.’  

Music from the past has been shown in studies to strengthen people’s sense of who they are and increase their sense of wellbeing so it was incredibly helpful that Jaihanne was able to use her cultural knowledge in this way. Both father and son felt listened to and supported.

For more information about our Dementia Adviser Service, click here.