How to interact with someone living with dementia

Transcript

At a grocery-store checkout, an older woman puts bread on the conveyor belt. She hesitates and then looks around her, worried.

Woman: Butter… Did I forget the butter?

Confused, she searches through her purse and then, looks at the cashier.

Woman: I wrote a list… I had a… I had a… Do you have my list?

The cashier looks at her, surprised, then uncomfortable.

Cashier: I’m sorry?

Woman: My list, do you have it?

Cashier: Ma’am, I’m not following you.

The woman appears flustered. Behind her, a man waits, items in hand. He shakes his head, impatiently.

Narrator: 46% of Canadians don’t feel fully comfortable interacting with someone living with dementia.

The packer, who is bagging her purchase, looks at her kindly.

Clerk: Hi, Ma’am? I work here. Perhaps I can help you find your list?

The woman looks at him and smiles, relieved.

A blue band appears on screen which reads, We can all help. canada.ca/dementia

Narrator: We can all help. Be patient, listen and reassure.

The Government of Canada logo appears.

Narrator: A message from the Government of Canada.