Dementia Support Line
Imagine: this emotive video puts viewers in the shoes of people with dementia during lockdown
Coronavirus has challenged all of us. But now imagine going through it with dementia. The reality of lockdown for many people affected by dementia has been even harder than you can imagine.
Across the country, hundreds of thousands of people with dementia have struggled to understand why loved ones stopped visiting, or why carers wore masks.
And, while some of us may have been lucky enough to try new hobbies during coronavirus lockdown, many people with dementia have been fighting to retain the life skills they need to stay independent. Fearing that not driving or talking to others could mean forgetting how to do it for good.
Carers and families have had to stop visiting the person they care the most about. Or in some cases, their precious respite breaks have been taken away.
If you’re not experiencing it first-hand, it’s difficult to understand the reality – something Creative Director Sean Cullen wanted to change.
Alzheimer’s Society was approached by accomplished Creative Director, Sean Cullen
Sean’s mum has dementia. The experience of supporting his mum during lockdown motivated Sean to write a poem, titled ‘Imagine’, and for bringing this to life in a short film.
‘I feel like 'imagine' is a really strong viewpoint as until people experience it, they don't know how hard it is right now for people living with dementia and their families.’
- Sean Cullen
Sean wanted to help others in the same situation, and generously donated the poem and his expertise to create the film alongside the internal team at Alzheimer’s Society.
Sean’s actress wife, Catherine Turgoose, even donated the voiceover to the video. Alzheimer’s Society is very thankful to the pair for sharing their talent to help spread awareness of dementia and raise funds. Their goodwill triggered others involved in the film production to donate their services and time.
Watch and share the video
‘Imagine’ puts viewers in the shoes of people affected by dementia during lockdown– to raise awareness of how tough it has really been.
Watch, share and donate to our Emergency Appeal so that Alzheimer’s Society can be there for people affected with vital phone calls providing advice and companionship.
Imagine
by Sean Cullen
Imagine a virus you know nothing about
The impact frustrates you, you can’t go out
Imagine a lockdown you don’t understand
Where friends stop visiting and family is banned
Imagine the confusion, caused by a bug
No smiles, no laughs, not even a hug
Imagine the isolation, taking control
The hurt and anger, destroying your soul
Slowly forgetting small things you once knew
Like boiling a kettle and making a brew
Your memory disappearing in the blink of an eye
Stood in your hallway and not knowing why
Imagine your Mum, your Nana, your Dad
Unable to help them, it’s driving you mad
The strain on the carers, their health damaged too
Imagine... Imagine that person, was you.
Please help us support people affected by dementia
Living with dementia during COVID-19 is even harder than anyone can imagine. At Alzheimer’s Society, we hear from families every day and know they need help. Please support them by making a donation.
