#TwoGoodMen
We were both husbands, parents, school principals and aged in our 50s when we were diagnosed with dementia. Our worlds feel apart, our view of ourselves as men and providers was challenged and what really helped us was the kindness of family, friends and our communities. Now we want to share our experiences to help improve the lives of other people living with dementia and also to help their families. Our main messages about dementia are:
We are going to share a weekly post to the Kindness Pandemic Facebook Group about living with dementia and the acts of kindness we receive. We invite you to share an act of kindness for a person living with dementia. Additionally we would also love to hear from other people living with dementia about their experiences of kindness.
Thanks, John and Kerin
(aka Two Good Men)
- Dementia is nothing to be ashamed of
- You can live well with dementia
- A person with dementia is still a person - don't just focus on their brain
- Dementia affects all aspects of a person's life - it is not just memory loss
- People with dementia (and their families) can't do it alone - we need your help
- Acts of kindness can transform the lives of people living with dementia
We are going to share a weekly post to the Kindness Pandemic Facebook Group about living with dementia and the acts of kindness we receive. We invite you to share an act of kindness for a person living with dementia. Additionally we would also love to hear from other people living with dementia about their experiences of kindness.
Thanks, John and Kerin
(aka Two Good Men)
How to participate
Follow our journey each week about highlighting acts of kindness we have experienced and we invite you to share an act of kindness for a person with dementia. Here are some kindness suggestions:
Please post your act of kindness for people living with dementia to the Kindness Pandemic Facebook group and use the hashtag #TwoGoodMen, so we can find you.
- If you see a person with dementia - say hello or smile
- If you know a person with dementia, give them and call and ask them how they are doing
- If you know a person caring for someone with dementia - call them and ask how they are going
- Become a dementia friend: learn more about dementia and how to be a better ally (more info here)
Please post your act of kindness for people living with dementia to the Kindness Pandemic Facebook group and use the hashtag #TwoGoodMen, so we can find you.
Film
John and Kerin featured in a 7 min film to share their experiences as men adapting to the challenges dementia brought. The film was made for men adapting to significant changes related to COVID-19. Supported by drummond street services and produced by film maker Chris Franklin, the film was launched in August 2020 and notched up 3000 views and 188 shares in the first week.
More information
- Dementia Australia: https://www.dementia.org.au/
- Alzheimer's Disease International: https://www.alz.co.uk/
- The Museum of Love: https://www.museumoflove.com.au/
- Dementia Help line (Australia): phone 1800 100 500
- Dementia Support Australia for support with challenging behaviours: 1800 699 799
- Australian Carer Gateway for Emergency Respite: 1800 422 737
