What is Dementia Friendly radio?

  • Provision of reminiscence resources: We aim to evoke happy memories by broadcasting songs from our listeners’ youths and delivering segments about local history. By encouraging reminiscence, our programming sparks conversation and connection between those living with dementia and their loved ones.

  • Reality orientation and self-care reminders: We make sure to state the day and time at regular intervals, in addition to providing gentle prompts to hydrate, eat around meal times, and get ready for bed in the late evening.

  • Sign-posting resources: We collaborate with local dementia-related organisations to collate a regular “what’s on” guide, which we communicate using precise, time-sensitive language.

  • No cacophonous noise and no upsetting news headlines: With presenters talking over each other, complex segues between songs, and constant negative news headlines, standard radio can cause distress for those living with dementia-related perception issues and mood sensitivities.

  • No modern pop culture references: For those experiencing a phenomenon called time-shifting, when a person feels as if they’re existing in an earlier stage of their life, usage of today’s ever-changing set of memes and buzzwords in radio may exacerbate feelings of confusion and isolation.

  • No on-air advertisements: Whereas standard radio is funded by advertising, this form of income is unavailable to us. At MDFR, we recognise that broadcast advertising — with its overwhelming sound design and often coercive messaging — can cause distress for those who experience dementia-related perception issues.

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Who we are

We are an independent, online radio station that is run in collaboration with and for the benefit of those who live in the Merseyside area whose lives are affected by dementia.

Our 24/7 broadcast is carefully curated to serve as a reminiscence resource whilst also providing reality orientation, mood management, self-care reminders and signposting to local services/groups. 

 

Every aspect of the station is given utmost consideration to ensure that our content and the ways in which it is experienced are as dementia friendly as possible.

Our aims and objectives

In Our Broadcast

  • Broadcast a mix of dementia friendly music and shows

  • Collaborate, co produce and evaluate with carers and people living with dementia

  • Promote dementia friendly well being and practice and signposting

  • Broadcasting a range of music and shows promote nostalgia

As A Company

  • Offering dementia-based awareness education within the general local community with an aim of raising awareness and reducing stigma around dementia

  • Connect, network and take action on dementia. Working together with other dementia organisations to create dementia friendly communities

  • Being an inclusive organisation in every aspect of operations. Ensuring all voices are heard regardless of race, gender and ability.

Meet our presenters

Meet the Team