World Alzheimer’s Month: Deaf carers share their experiences in BSL

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign that raises awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia while challenging the stigma surrounding them.

The British Deaf Association (BDA), working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, has created a series of six BSL videos exploring the experiences of Deaf carers who have supported loved ones living with dementia.

The carers speak openly about the challenges they faced, the emotions involved and the lessons they learned throughout their caring journeys. Their stories include experiences of diagnosis, hospital care, providing care at home, finding suitable support and the impact dementia can have on the whole family.

Content warning: These videos contain discussions about dementia and caring that some people may find emotional or upsetting.

Watch the BSL videos

• Angela and Tracey
• Paul and Matt
• Hilary
• Wendy
• Julia-Ann, Deborah and Heather
• Alison

Alzheimer’s Society also has a dedicated webpage featuring Deaf carers’ experiences and further dementia information in BSL.

Visit the Dementia in the Deaf Community webpage

Dementia support in BSL

Alzheimer’s Society works with SignVideo so that Deaf BSL users can contact its Dementia Support Line through a BSL/English interpreter.

If you are living with dementia or supporting someone with the condition, the service can provide information, advice and support. You can use SignVideo on your phone, tablet or computer.

Find BSL contact options for the Dementia Support Line

We hope these BSL resources will raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide accessible information and support for Deaf people, Deaf carers and their families.

The British Deaf Association would like to thank Alzheimer’s Society for its collaboration and support in making this project possible.