Ruth Memeza's Journey: From Care Worker to Dementia Awareness Advocate
Episode Overview
Ruth Memeza shares her journey from UK care worker to dementia advocate in Zimbabwe. Cultural challenges in Zimbabwe often misinterpret dementia as witchcraft. Ruth emphasizes training caregivers with empathy and understanding. The role of women as primary caregivers is highlighted. Potential for technology and AI to aid dementia care is discussed.
"You just have to start with one person and then it just goes out, you know, move from community to community."
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This episode of the UK Health Radio Podcast brings a heartfelt conversation with Ruth Memeza, founder of Dementia Awareness Zimbabwe. Ruth shares her inspiring journey from a care worker in the UK to a trailblazer in dementia awareness in Zimbabwe. She talks about her initial struggles in the care industry, where lack of training left her questioning practices until she received eye-opening dementia awareness training.
This experience fueled her passion to educate others, leading her to establish a grassroots movement back in Zimbabwe. Ruth’s story is one of perseverance and impact, starting with small training sessions that have rippled across communities. She highlights the cultural challenges faced in Zimbabwe, where dementia is often misunderstood as witchcraft, and how she tackles these misconceptions through education and lived experiences.
The episode sheds light on the importance of empathy, understanding, and community support in caring for those with dementia. With humour and warmth, Ruth discusses the role of women as primary caregivers and the need for proper training to empower them. She also touches on the potential of technology and AI in improving dementia care. Pete Hill, the host, supports Ruth’s vision for a national policy on dementia care in Zimbabwe and expresses hope for future government involvement.
This episode is a testament to the power of one person's dedication to change perceptions and improve lives. If you're interested in understanding dementia from a global perspective or seeking inspiration from someone making a real difference, this conversation is a must-listen.