Tony sang an up-beat selection of hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
We were not too sure what the red thingamyjig was.
David is always keen to help and guide the clay modellers. Our new lady, in red, was pleased to be painting again after several years.
Wordsearches are always in demand.
A slightly lower turn-out today, though still a packed room and nearly everyone was dancing at some point.
We were pleased to welcome Professor Andrew Clark, from the University of Greenwich. He is researching dementia friendly communities, so came along to find out more about our group and why it is so popular.
Sadly we said goodbye to Emma from Emma’s Cafe. She is moving to Age Exchange in Blackheath to manage their cafe. We wish her well and look forward to the new cafe service next time we are there.
The Reflections Friendship Group is next at Shrewsbury House on 7th May 2024 at 1pm. Vikki will entertain us with some more great songs.
Please note: in our uploaded photos we blur the faces of all group members. You do see the faces of our wonderful volunteers.
‘Time to Talk‘ have asked if the group want another session. Janet will contact members.
Janet told the group about the Dementia Platform UK (DPUK). They have secured over £4 million to find effective blood biomarkers for dementia. This work could bring early diagnostic blood tests a step closer. Find out more here. To register your interest they are looking for people to sign up (looking at proteins in the brain)
Member updates
Admiral Nurses
A member had information about Admiral Nurses. Nationally there is a help line and a virtual clinic that people can self refer to. More information on their website here. Locally there are now Admiral nurses working as part of the Oxleas team. They will get involved with people with challenging dementia behaviour and more complicated issues. Referrals are via BLG Mind and the Carers Centre if certain criteria are met. Please do contact these organisations if you are struggling with aspects of dementia behaviour.
Her mum has had a UTI and her daughter was advised that she should go to hospital. The daughter had to consider what her mum would want her to do. Tatiana said that the daughter had taken advice from professionals and that her mum going into hospital would have increased her confusion.
Busy Care Homes
Another member said that three care homes in Bexleyheath are full and have waiting lists. Her mum had a raspy chest, which came on suddenly and the doctor wanted her to go into hospital, but the daughter thought about what had happed before and did not want her to go into hospital so her Mum had oral antibiotics instead with a regular review. Although mum is not fully better, she is quite happy, snappy with her daughter and well enough to be grumpy! Janet said that she was still making decisions and caring. She makes the best decision with the information she is given. The daughter was concerned as to whether she made the right decision. Tatiana pointed out the professionals can overrule the daughter’s decision, if they strongly believe they need to get a person to hospital.
Falls
A dad had a fall in the middle of the night which resulted him being in hospital for two weeks. He was discharged before Christmas, but he can no longer walk on his own and needs people to help him. He has a special bed and other aids, but he has deteriorated. He has physio, who gave him specific things to do, and the carers walk him up and down. Janet explained about the importance of leg strength and gave two Friendship Group members as an example. She also mentioned the sit to stand routine from her online trainer. The dad can be happy and sometimes not. It is an emotional time and it takes its toll.
An interesting read
A member said she is reading Wendy Mitchell’s last book One Last Thing: How to live with the end in mind and is inspired by it. You may see some comments about the book on the Azheimer’s Society website here.
Janet’s presented a piece on Wendy Mitchell’s recent death.
Wendy decided to end her own life. She discussed her reasons on her website: “My Final Hug in a Mug“.
Member updates
Family difficulties
A mum has had dementia for seven  years. During her daughter’s own cancer treatment she was looking after her mum as well. While the daughter was at a vulnerable time her brother and sister took over caring for mum and cut her out. She doesn’t know why they are being like that. The sister is overturning mum’s decisions. She has put cameras in mum’s house – even in the bedroom. Mum lives in her own flat and her brother and sister go round for meds. Her sister has Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
The daughter had spoken to the Social Worker but did not feel her concerns were addressed. Janet recommended asking for a best interest meeting. Tatiana said Social Services have not addressed the daughter’s questions (manipulation, safeguarding) and recommended emailing them saying she is not satisfied and to set out all her concerns.
She needs to tell social services about the cameras (invasion of privacy) and how mum used to be. Also to say that she has less interaction and outline briefly what has happened  and  the effect it’s having on her. Tatiana – also reiterated safeguarding and highlighting the cameras.
Peace of Mind
Another mum is more settled in her care home home. After a hospital eye appointment mum was able to settle back in quicker. It’s a lovely home. The staff are hardworking and caring which gives the daughter confidence. She was confident enough to have a holiday in Italy.
Council Funding
A mum has had another assessment. Finally someone came from the financial team and recommended that they have funding from the council. Her mum is stable and happy. The daughter said thank you for the advice last time, it was very helpful.
Keeping in Touch
A brother living abroad is is ok. Some weeks they only have short conversations but he still knows who his sister is. She isn’t always able to speak to staff in depth due to the time. Guardianship is all arranged. Someone takes her brother out weekly. He’s not so happy going to crowded places now.
Vikki was back with a great set of tunes from our favourite decades. She is keen to mingle with group members and occasionally gets them to join her singing on the microphone.
As one our our most popular singers, we are so pleased that she is back with us on a regular basis.
Another big turn-out of members filled our rooms and Emma’s pantry – the Shrewsberry House cafe.
It is such a joy that we have so many keen dancers.
Our friend in yellow at the back was resting today – joining the dancing next time (or so he says).
The Reflections Friendship Group is next at Shrewsbury House on 12th March 2024 at 1pm. Jamie will entertain us with his singing and wide selection of costumes.
Please note: in our uploaded photos we blur the faces of all group members. You do see the faces of our wonderful volunteers.
Reflections 