‘Don’t rush to judge people for not complying with guidelines’

The Covid-19 press conference panel have spoken about how people with disabilities might be exempt from wearing face masks.

Sometimes, disabilities are hidden – such as with anxiety, dementia or Alzheimer’s.

With it affecting memory, people living with dementia often show no visual signs of a disability.

Julie Bulpitt from Dementia Friendly Guernsey is asking people to stop, look and think before reacting in a negative way when they see someone out and about not wearing a mask.

‘Some people live in their own homes in the community and they may have pets, so can do everyday tasks, such as taking their dogs for a walk, or going to the shops. Wearing a mask is a new experience and some may find it strange and difficult, or it may be as simple as someone with dementia forgetting to put their mask on when they go out,’ she said.

‘Guernsey has worked wonderfully together, but some people are still worried and concerned about the virus and may have had personal experience through loved ones and carers being affected or missing their loved ones as they may be in care homes, or being confined to their own homes.

‘It is hard on us all and some show their fears in different ways and not thinking about other people’s situations.’

For people with recognised exemptions from wearing a mask, they can carry the exemption card or sunflower lanyard, which is a tell-tale sign of someone with a hidden disability.

Someone living with dementia may have simply forgotten to put on a mask, carry their exemption card, or wear a sunflower lanyard. They may also be confused about when these things are required.

The same can be said for people in the community with Alzheimer’s.

Manager of the Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association Julie Thompson had a similar message.

‘Early on in their journey, someone with Alzheimer’s disease could live on their own and be able to go out into the community – and if they can, they should,’ she said.

‘Sometimes there can be no way of telling if someone has it.’

If someone is out walking their dog off the lead, which they can do if the dog is well behaved and has excellent recall, and it runs up to other people excited to meet other humans, the person may forget that they should call them back right away.

‘We can say until we’re blue in the face that people should be patient with people, and of course all anyone wants is to minimise the risk of spread in the community, but it’s important to think carefully about addressing a situation rather than snapping at someone.’