Alzheimer’s Tea Day was last Thursday, May 2, and Hidden Hearing launched an innovative new dementia-friendly community programme on the RTE Today show, with Maura Derrane and Dáithí O' Sé.
Aimed at ensuring people with dementia and their families are respected, included and supported, the initiative involves fundraising, an education campaign and specialist staff training. Enjoying tea and social occasions positively impacts brain health, and the hearing healthcare provider is hosting tea parties at its clinics countrywide, inviting customers and the local community to join in and support the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland
As well as fundraising and hosting tea and ‘chats’, Hidden Hearing has implemented expert training, in conjunction with Alzheimer’s Ireland, so staff who deal with customers can better understand and care for customers with dementia. The company also has an information campaign in place, working with Trinity neurologist, Dr. Sabina Brennan, to promote understanding of the needs of those with dementia, and other neurological challenges.
Hidden Hearing clinics work with customers with cognitive impairment, regularly, as ageing impacts both hearing loss and cognitive decline. This has prompted the company’s commitment, Dolores Madden, Hidden Hearing Marketing Director, and a qualified audiologist, says.
“Studies show that general health and behaviours are linked to cognitive decline too. Things like smoking, hypertension, loneliness or depression impact wellness, so good hearing is important for people to stay active and socialise.
“Music, singing, socialising and conversation are stimuli for people with cognitive difficulty, and hearing well minimises confusion and stress for everyone, not just those with dementia.” Dr Sabina Brennan, is an advocate for brain health, for the needs of those with neurological conditions, and for interventions to prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline.
On RTE’s afternoon Today show, Dr Sabina Brennan and Kevin Quaid, founder of Lewy Body Ireland, talked about living positively with dementia. Kevin Quaid, who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, at 53, outlined simple ways to connect with a person who has dementia.
He praised the initiative of business owners, like Hidden Hearing, and those working in communities to create dementia-friendly environments and processes. Alzheimer’s Ireland also emphasises the importance of businesses and the community catering for the needs of those with dementia and creating better-suited environments.
The group’s Understand Together project, with the HSE, aims to change the culture around dementia in Ireland, promoting supportive communities. Hidden Hearing was asking the public to attend its local tea and information days last week.
“Support Alzheimer’s Ireland, come and share tea and stories, and learn about the importance of good hearing to connect with people and improve wellbeing, especially anyone experiencing memory loss”, Dolores Madden says.
