We welcomed 3 new people to the group all supporting their Mum’s following a recent diagnosis, with a total of 6 people attending. Julie and Marie supported 1 person while their carer attended the group session. They had a good time doing archery.
The issues discussed by the group were:
- The book case analogy
- Not focusing on the black dot of dementia
- Emotions and feelings following diagnosis
- The need for health professionals to recognise and respect that some people with dementia do not like hearing the word dementia and are happier hearing memory problems.
- Feeling guilty and isolated
- Where to find help and other groups suitable to take people with dementia – The group were aware of the services of the Alzheimer’s Society but wanted to know what else was on offer. The group suggested The Stables and Age Exchange the latter whom run an event on a Sunday.
- Persevering to get help and knowing the right people to ask – sometimes initially help may not be offered but by persevering and going back it is possible to get help and support.
- Carer’s Toolkit – We discussed the benefits and uses of oral history work. It can be a great way for carers to connect with the people they are supporting and enables people with dementia to tell their story in their own words. The oral history can be played back later as a reminder to the person with dementia and for others as a way to get to know more about them.
- We also talked about the benefits of a rummage box for people with advancing dementia and the sorts of things they might contain.
Information on local services
Age Exchange Blackheath offer a broad programme of training and support services for people and their carers living with dementia together with regular training and support for Reminiscence Arts Practitioners and community workers.
Age Exchange, Number 11, Blackheath Village, London SE3 9LA
Email: hello@age-exchange.org.uk for all general inquiries
Telephone: 020 8318 9105
Web site: http://www.age-exchange.org.uk
The Stables SE7 is a facility set up and managed by The Greenwich Carers Centre. The Centre has been operating for 25 years and during that time has supported over 13,000 Adult Carers and more than 400 Young Carers (those aged 8-17 years). Across those 25 years of operation the agency have listened to carers and have created a facility and service that truly represents superior support and value for money.
The Greenwich Carers Centre, The Stables, 76 Hornfair Road, Charlton SE7 7BD
Email: info@greenwichcarerscentre.org
Tel: 0300 300 2233
Web site: https://www.thestablesse7.com/index.php
The Greenwich Community Directory is an online resource offering local residents access to information on social care, health, wellbeing and advice services in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The integrated directory serves as a single point of information and advice on services to help people to live well in Greenwich.
You may find out about dementia services in Greenwich here
Oral Histories
We all have stories to tell, stories we have lived from the inside out. We give our experiences an order. We organize the memories of our lives into stories.
Oral history listens to these stories and is the collection of living people’s testimony about their own experiences. If we do not collect and preserve those memories, those stories, then one day they will disappear forever. Your stories and the stories of the people around you are unique, valuable treasures for you, your family and your community.
You may find someone is reluctant to start talking initially, but once they get going you may be surprised by what you learn. It’s a great way to spend time and connect with someone.
Introduction to recording an oral history here
Sample questions here
Reflections 