We’ve signed up to the Dementia Words Matter call to action, led by the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP) and Dementia Action Alliance
Language is powerful and the way we use it can impact profoundly on the way that others are perceived and treated. It is easy to use terms and phrases to refer to others which have an unintended negative impact on those people, particularly when the condition or community in question is far from your own experience. It is also easy to feel lost in the maze of what to say and what not to say. That’s why calls to action such as this are important; to give clear, simple guidance – coming from those who are most affected by the language used.
DEEP have developed the Dementia Words Matter Guidelines on Language About Dementia. This is a concise and easy to read document which was written by 20 people with dementia who came together to discuss the words that are used about dementia. We have encouraged our staff and board members to read and take note of these guidelines. The document is now available to download on our Resources Page and will make sure that the language we use in all of our communications and resources respects these guidelines.
Whether as an individual or an organisation, we would encourage you to: