Life with Dementia and How Support Can Change Everything

Watch our new short film below

At Together Dementia Support, we’ve created a short film that we hope will open eyes, not just to the reality of living with dementia, but also to the huge difference the right support can make.

For many people, dementia is still misunderstood. Those who haven’t experienced it firsthand often think of it as simply a part of ageing - something sad but inevitable. This way of thinking fuels ageism, fear, and a sense of hopelessness.

But we know it doesn’t have to be this way.

The film begins with a short animation that tells a story many will recognise: Bob is living with dementia, alone and withdrawn. His daughter visits daily, but he’s lost interest in the world around him. It’s a moving picture of what life can be like without support; not just for the person with dementia, but for their loved ones too.

Then we meet Keith, a real member of Together Dementia Support. Keith receives weekly visits through our Together at Home service and also attends our Wythenshawe Friendship & Activity Group. The contrast is striking. Keith is active, engaged, and smiling.

Dementia support isn’t complicated, but it does require:

• Creative, trained people who understand how to connect

• Transport to get people into the community

• Long-term relationships built on care and trust

  
  

The late dementia pioneer, Tom Kitwood, identified six essential psychological needs we all share: comfort, attachment, occupation, inclusion, identity, and love. For people with dementia who can no longer meet those needs alone, families, communities, and specialist services must step in.

We're proud to be one of those services.

We’re incredibly grateful to Ben Hounslow of bfhcreative.com for producing the animation, and Gail Coalville, who filmed and edited Keith’s story. Dementia is close to both of their hearts, and that passion shines through.

Watch the video above. We hope it moves you and shows what’s possible when people living with dementia are properly supported.