A growth for Alzheimer’s knowledge
Shirley McGlinchey has seen a positive growth of Alzheimer’s knowledge in communities in the last 16 years.
McGlinchey is a field worker for Alzheimer’s Taranaki and has seen steady progress over her time in her role around dementia awareness and acceptance.
‘‘The stigma is breaking down, it’s taking a while, but it definitely is breaking down,’’ she said.
When McGlinchey first started in her role as a fieldworker, for everywhere from Midhurst to Opunake to Waverly, she told people there was an 80 per cent chance they would be effected by someone with dementia.
‘‘Now I say there is absolutely a 100 per cent chance someone you know will have dementia. There’s no getting away from it, it’s there,’’ she said.
‘‘The one reason for more dementia is longevity. People are living longer so they’ve got more chance of getting dementia.’’
McGlinchey’s role is spreading knowledge in communities and seeing those who are affected by the disease, but through this she witnesses the difference in the public too.
‘‘You know, the person that gets stuck in a shop and the card won’t work four times? We have people jumping up now and paying,’’ she said.
‘‘Why would you leave someone in a queue with people behind them in that awful situation without fixing it? People are starting to get switched on.’’
She said part of Alzehimer’s New Zealand’s goal was for the country to be dementia-friendly. This started by ‘‘educating everyone and anyone we can to be aware’’.
McGlinchey had recently received contact from local businesses who wanted help to deal with the ageing population.
‘‘Businesses are ringing me, hairdressers, banks, libraries, wanting me to speak to staff because they’re dealing with these people,’’ she said.
Alzhiemer’s Taranaki has recently put out a pamphlet for those who may be concerned about the ‘‘functioning’’ of elderly.
‘‘It’s really good if you’ve got a problem with someone and their memory, and think what would I do?’’ McGlinchey said.
If you are concerned about yourself or another or interested in learning more about dementia, call Shirley McGlinchey on 06 278 8519.