Peter

Playlist for Life – My training day

March 12, 2020March 16, 2020 by Peter, posted in Events

Playlist update

On 12th March I attended a Playlist for Life (PfL) training day. Please visit their website to learn more about Playlists and their benefits or you could read my brief introduction to PfL here.

There is a real buzz around PfL. They have trained nearly 6,000 people and 357 communities have PfL Help Points – Reflections is one of these Help Points. We can tell you all about Playlists and offer advice and support on making and using Playlists.

The Training Day

We had a lovely group of people from London(and Southend) at the session in Euston. Rebecca, who is our regional PfL Communities Officer, ran the day and kept us all in order. We covered: Music and the brain; Setting up a Help Point; Being a Music Detective; Helping you help carers; Equipment; Spreading the PfL message; and a Q&A. You can find an introduction to these topics on their website and some of the touching videos we viewed.

We are fortunate to have, Peter (not me), as our local organiser in South East London. Peter’s job is to develop a PfL community in the area. He will be working with local groups, libraries etc. to raise the profile and explain the benefits of developing and using Playlists.

Equipment

We were able to assess a variety of ways to bring playlists to life. The equipment included: simple MP3 players; iPads; Record Players; and CD players. I was interested in this basic MP3 player, but not sure how useful it would be in practice. This record player looked good, but I was not impressed by the speakers. The web sites we looked at included: BBC Music Memories; Spotify (the subscription version) and YouTube. They even had printed song sheets. The group agreed all of the above had both pros and cons, and their use would depend on who planned to use them and the context. Based on experience, Rebecca suggested that working with young people (linking with a school or college) was a major help in understanding and using modern equipment and providers of services!

Next steps

Reflections will be considering how we will build on our Playlist work within our Friendship Group and our successful Musical Tea event.

Thank you to Rebecca and the team for an interesting and thought provoking day.

Carers Group: 9/03/20

March 10, 2020March 10, 2020 by Peter, posted in Carers Group

We were back from our break in February and we welcomed our regulars and another new member to the group.

I pointed out Shrewsbury House’s guidance on the Coronavirus and the links to government advice.

Mind take on dementia services in Greenwich

Janet explained that from April BLG Mind will take over from the Alzheimer’s Society in providing services in this borough. They have not updated their website yet, but you may see what they currently offer in Bromley and Lewisham here. The Alzheimer’s Society will continue to run their national dementia helpline from their call centre in Birmingham, link to their website here.

We will contact Judith from BLG Mind (who came to out recent Friendship Group) to request they meet our Carers Group.

Flying south?

At our last Carers Group we discussed the idea of someone with dementia going home to visit family, when this meant a very long flight. The proposed trip has been put back because of an appointment at the memory clinic. The family are dealing with increasing episodes where dad forgets where he is and who is with him, he also has hallucinations, and gets frustrated and angry with what is happening to him. We await developments.

Moving pictures

The discussion above led on to other members of the group tell us about their experiences relating to hallucinations. One mum could not cope with photographs, as the people in them seemed to move. As time has passed, she now likes to have pictures of babies, she loves babies. So her grand child, now in her 20s, is regularly embarrassed by nan cooing over her baby photos. The family continue to work at changing their approach to mum/nan as her dementia progresses.

Direct payments and Doorbells

We talked about directly paying carers and the flexibility this gives you. CarersUK describe the process here. They explain “Instead of receiving support arranged by your council or trust, you have the ability with a direct payment to choose and purchase the services you feel you need, as agreed by them. For example, you may wish to employ someone directly to help manage the care of the person you’re looking after.”

We moved on to how to keep abreast of what is happening with your loved one, if you do not live together. Several people had used a video/doorbell. There is an example here [we include this as an example, we do not recommend or endorse it]. This type of camera enables you to know who is going in and out of a building and speak to callers direct from anywhere – and it is easy to use with your mobile phone. Our members found this very helpful and reassuring.

Paying for continuing care

The group revisited when the council might pay for your care and Continuing Health Care (CHC). The process is involved and you need to be aware of how the system works and how to present your case. Group members explained how they needed to be assertive, take copious nots at meetings, and ensure assessments fully reflected their evidence. We are pleased to say we have several successful applicants in the group.

Vertigo – or not

Our newest joiner described how her mum had been complaining of her vertigo returning. As mum seemed fine, the issue was: when did this problem happen? Was it today, yesterday, last month? Or did it happen at all? Without being with mum, the daughter could not be sure. If she contacted the doctor, what would she say? As a general point, how can you know what happened to someone if you are not with them and they cannot remember? The group suggested speaking to the paid carers and the doctor. We will see what the result is.

The Gems model

We mentioned this model in passing. It helps to understand that someone “is who they were, but they are different”. This link and Tepa Snow’s video give a clear and fascinating explanation.

Good news

A carer had managed to rent-out her mum’s house to a nice couple, who had just had a baby. Mum is happy in her care home. Another carer said her mum’s care had suddenly improved when the care home manager unexpectedly resigned and a new one appeared – this one favours person centred care.

Thought for today

Emma and Julian 3/3/20

March 3, 2020March 3, 2020 by Peter, posted in Friends Group

A packed session. The second highest turn-out of the last 12 months. We had Rachel and Lucy visiting from Oxleas. Sharon, as usual, from the Carers Centre. The Stir cafe provided an urn and the necessities for teas and coffees, our team provided the service.

We were very pleased to welcome Judith from BLG Mind [BLG stands for Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich]. Mind will be providing the dementia advisory service in Greenwich from 1st April. Judith hopes to return on the 14th April to tell us more about their new service. We look forward to working with their team in the future.

Emma warmed-up the group with both physical and breathing exercises, before launching into her popular repertoire. Janet’s favourite sing-a-long tune “Tony Chestnut” was a high point (it starts: Toe, Knee, Chest, Nut – Nose, Eye, Love, You. The actions match the lyrics. It’s a bit like “YMCA”, but more complicated).

Julian certainly hit the right note(s) with our group. The dance floor was full and the singing exceptional.

There were lots of highlights – “I’m a believer” had Julian leave much of the chorus to the singers – and, when I realised Rick Astley’s greatest hit was on the playlist, I was back in the room.

We had a long list of birthdays – and a lot of birthday cards to give out.

There were moments of calm and chatting.

David, our artist in residence produced some delightful Lino prints of the group.

It was a wonderfully busy afternoon. And, we were very pleased to welcome back Jen, one of our longest serving and very popular volunteers.

Peta runs and raises £s

March 2, 2020 by Peter, posted in Events

We were surprised and delighted to be contacted by Peta, a couple of weeks ago, saying she would like to run the Vitality Big Half in aid of Reflections. On Sunday morning 1st March we went to Greenwich to support her. We were very pleased to meet the wonderful Peta in Greenwich park, after her run and present her with a certificate of gratitude and a goody bag.

Peta finished the half marathon in 1:55! A very impressive time indeed. We are very grateful for her sponsorship of Reflections. Thank you to Peta and all her sponsors.

The athlete in action: Peta pounds the pavement, but stops to see her son (and husband, who was standing back, with us, in the safe area, away from the thousands of runners).

Here is the route. You might want to try it out.

First Jobs & Friends Reminiscence 24/02/20

February 28, 2020 by Peter, posted in Reminiscence Project

It all started well. We were very pleased to welcome some new Friendship Group members to this session. We were also sorry that several members were unwell and could not come along.

Chatting about our first jobs brought up some interesting professions, as well as the ones we had highlighted on our interest table.

I don’t think many of us had met a Lard Packer before or that the natural progression was to being a Butter Packer. Fortunately, the group member had moved on to an out-door job later in life, which he enjoyed much more. We also had two ladies who had worked in the posher end of the clothes industry, making garments for royalty!

We identified some jobs that no longer exist. Including Knocker-upper and Tally man. We had some keen financial brains with us. I asked some questions about the pre-decimal currency, and the group passed the test. Incidentally, do you know how many shillings there were in a florin?

The music quiz was slightly less enjoyable than I would have liked, as the music machine did not work!!! Luckily, the wonderful Pearl stepped-in with more of her memorable jokes. Then the performance team – Caroline, Janet and Pearl – took to the floor for an interactive trio of songs. Who knew “Ten green bottles” would take soooo long to sing.

It was all good fun and we anticipate another good session next time, when we will be Going Out.

Thanks to the Stir Cafe for sorting out the hot drinks – nice cups : )

Rotary Club of Greenwich

February 20, 2020 by Peter, posted in Community network, External Links

We were very pleased to be invited back for lunch at the Rotary Club of Greenwich today. Their sponsorship has enabled us to run our Reminiscence Project in 2018-19 and we were happy to give the Club an update on progress with this, and our other groups.

The Rotary Club does have its formalities and all speakers are kept to time. Janet and I were very well received and we had the opportunity for informal discussions with members who had questions about our charity.

Liz, the president of the Club, presented us with a cheque after our short talk. This was an unexpected surprise!

Thank you to all the members of the Rotary Club of Greenwich for making us so welcome, the lovely lunch, and their generosity and support for our work. We look forward to continuing our links with the Club in the future and welcoming their members to visit our Friendship Group.

Viki 18/02/20

February 19, 2020 by Peter, posted in Friends Group

Viki was popular, as usual, with her excellent singing and interaction with the group.

Her version of Cilla Black’s “You’re my World” was outstanding.

We welcomed visitors from the Rotary Club of Greenwich who joined in with the pre-entertainment discussions and activities. Two visitors from Healthwatch Greenwich came along to gather the views of some of our group on health services in Greenwich. One of these visitors had attended a recent Dementia Friends session I had run at the request of Greenwich council, and I was pleased she was complementary about my interactive presentation. The Carers Centre were again in attendance (we wish Sharon a quick recovery from her bad back). We also had a new mum and daughter join us, swelling the ranks of the ballroom dance enthusiasts. To our surprise, the mum had been at ballroom dance classes Janet and I attended about 15 years ago!

We had an excuse (did we need one?) to join in the dancing and wonderful singing.

We were concerned to hear of the fire at Shrewsbury House, but impressed with the quick action of Richard (the member of staff) who called the fire brigade. Thankfully, we are therefore able to continue enjoying the delights of this lovely community centre.

Emma and Tony 04/02/20

February 5, 2020February 5, 2020 by Peter, posted in Friends Group

Rather a lot going on at the group today. Visitors from Oxleas and the Azheimer’s Society. Sharon from the Carers Centre came to give advice, as usual. Two of our trustees popped in. We had a new volunteer, Mary (not to be confused with the other Mary), start with us. David presented us with a new painting. And we had to call for an ambulance – we are pleased to report the patient was later discharged by the QE – and told not to exercise.

Emma grabbed our attention, warmed us up (it was a cold day) and ran through some rousing tunes.

The crowd (including a famous mouse) packed into our main room.

Tony certainly rocked the room. He turned it up to 11, played until 3, and had a migraine by 4. We all wish him well and a swift return to top form.

The packed room still managed to cope with a packed dance floor.

Andrew round two 21/01/20

February 5, 2020 by Peter, posted in Friends Group

A jolly January jamboree. We welcomed some new people to the group and they were treated to an afternoon of entertainment.

The very popular Andrew came for his second visit to the Reflections Friendship group.

Chatting was popular. As were the quizzes.

We had lots of sports, including darts and dominoes.

The dancing was a bit more energetic than usual too. Fortunately, it calmed down by the time all 51 group members, plus volunteers and visitors, made the move into the main room.

Early life and Schooldays Reminiscence 20/01/20

February 5, 2020 by Peter, posted in Reminiscence Project

We arrived to some very early memories – favourite nursery rhymes playing in the background while we settled in for a chat.

Talking about when you were young is a sit-down job. Schools used to be keen on exercise and good deportment – and so are we. Once a year we indulge in a little book balancing.

Everyone had a story about when they were at school. Many remembered something they had learned in school which proved useful in later life: woodwork, dressmaking, art and chemistry were particularly useful for those who worked with those skills and knowledge.