Should There Be A Visual Identifier For People Living With Dementia Out In Public?

Three years ago, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and vascular dementia.

At the young age of 63, her journey with dementia began, subtly at first, but gradually becoming more pronounced with each passing day. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for our family, filled with both moments of joy and challenges we never anticipated.

One of the biggest hurdles we face is navigating public spaces with Mum. Our family has always been supportive, accompanying her on outings to keep her engaged with the world outside her home.

But as her dementia progresses, so do the challenges. Her inability to comprehend social cues often leads to awkward interactions with strangers – moments that leave me scrambling to apologise and explain.

Imagine the embarrassment of having your mother pat a stranger on the head and refer to them as a “good dog.” It’s not malicious; it’s simply her inability to filter her thoughts and actions.

On a separate occasion at a street festival, she leapt in front of a man that was carrying a tray of food and challenged him to an imaginary sword fight. The startled man proceeded to drop all of the food he just paid for and was understandably upset.

Too upset to listen to my apologies or the reasoning behind what had happened. 

These incidents, though not physically threatening, have made me increasingly apprehensive about taking Mum out in public. I want her to experience the richness of life beyond the confines of her aged care home, but the fear of uncomfortable encounters looms large.

That’s where the idea of a visible identifier for people living with dementia comes in. Something as simple as a specific colour, item, or symbol could serve as a beacon of understanding for members of the public.

If people were aware of Mum’s condition before interacting with her, perhaps they’d approach with a bit more grace and patience, overlooking any odd behaviours.

It’s not a new concept. Various initiatives, including those proposed by Dementia Australia, have aimed to introduce such identifiers. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, for instance, offers a discreet way for individuals with hidden disabilities, including dementia, to signal their need for assistance and understanding in public spaces.

Speaking to HelloCare, Kaele Stokes, Executive Director of Services, Advocacy & Research, for Dementia Australia emphasised the importance of creating dementia-friendly communities.

“Any community can be a dementia-friendly community; one where people living with dementia and their carers are integral in creating spaces that understand, respect, support and empower them,” said Ms Stokes.

“In a dementia-friendly community, people committed to making change come together. They create a more inclusive, supportive and welcoming place where everyone can thrive.”

Despite the efforts of Dementia Australia, widespread recognition of dementia identifiers remains elusive.

Some people even argue against the idea, fearing it could lead to stigmatisation or labelling. However, for many family carers like myself, it would be a welcome relief – a lifeline that fosters social inclusion and fosters greater respect for those living with dementia.

In our quest for a dementia-friendly society, every step matters. Whether it’s through visible identifiers, education initiatives, or community engagement, we all have a role to play.

It’s about coming together to create spaces where individuals like my mother feel understood, respected, and empowered – where they can continue to be active participants in the world around them.

It’s time to dedicate the resources and advertising needed to create a nationally recognised dementia identifier.

By implementing visible identifiers in public spaces, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their cognitive abilities, can participate fully in community life.