Blog

Janet and I discussed the highlights of the Alzheimer’s Show

Janet had taken the virtual dementia tour and found it well planned, interesting and prompted many insights into the way some people with dementia may perceive the world. We would recommend you take a tour, even if it is only a condensed version, as at this show. You can see a You Tube video about a tour here (video by Leeza’s Gibbons from the USA).

We discussed the Playlist for Life the Call to Mind game I mentioned in my show blog here. The group was interested in the idea of an individualised musical playlist based on tunes that prompt positive memories. Each member had examples of how the person they cared for had enjoyed music and how it often led to conversations about their past. We plan to use the Call to Mind game at our Friendship Group.

Group discussion

We talked about the difficulties of working with some care home staff who don’t always see those-in-care’s well-being as their priority. An example was where a group member’s mum was left in bed even though she could walk with help. The staff member said the care plan indicated she should be kept in bed – this plan was from a previous home, which had not been updated in the light of her physiotherapist’s view that she could and should walk. The member of staff also said the carer’s mum could be violent and needed more medication – the daughter knew that her mother needed to be encouraged and persuaded to do things – a skilled carer could cope and, after all, the home was being paid to deliver care for her mum. Being confined to bed results in wasted leg muscles, difficulties in balance, and frustration leading to aggression – not in anyone’s interest.

We also noted the need to always keep your own notes when dealing with just about everyone. Doctors, hospitals and care homes rarely keep their notes as well as they should (and sometimes lose them). Keeping note puts you in a stronger position and helps avoid mistakes.

A group member’s wife was about to have a respite break for the first time. The member had done his research and was hopeful the break would do them both good. Sadly, because the wife cannot travel long distances, she will miss her daughter’s wedding. His only reservation was that the home required her to have a two-week respite break and would not offer anything shorter.

Another carer’s dad has been in what he feels is a good nursing home, with no turn-over of staff in the nine months he has been there. As a result, they are both calmer and able to enjoy positive time together.

 

 

News, information and discussion

Armchair travel experiences

We started with a brief presentation about the benefits of armchair travel – see the world (and beyond) without moving from your favourite chair.

Alzheimer’s Show at Olympia 7-8 June.

One of the group said she had been to this event in the past and found it useful, and was going again this year.

“The UK’s leading event for people living with Alzheimer’s, dementia or memory loss, The Alzheimer’s Show brings help and hope to families and carers and welcomes the public and professionals. The event is for anyone who is experiencing memory loss, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or is living with dementia should come along to access a wealth of support and guidance on planning for their future. Families affected by Alzheimer’s, carers and professional support service providers should attend to find the latest advice, services and products to help those in their care.”

50% off Alzheimer’s show here (£10 reduced from £20 – there are concessions too).

Vision Call

A member had said her mother had used this totally free service, inclusive of glasses. She found them very understanding and helpful.

This organisation can provide sight tests in the comfort of your own home by their team of home visit optometrists, dispensing opticians and optical assistants.”We are dedicated to enabling and empowering individuals to see the world around them more clearly. Our patients are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and our specialist holistic approach to eye care means that they can benefit from being more engaged with the world around them, feel less isolated and be safer within it.”

Glasses and dentures can be etched with a person’s name – which helps if they go missing in a care home – ask your provider for this service.

Dementia Carers Count

A member of the group attended one of their free courses in Birmingham and found it very useful. The group was made up of 15 carers – who were open and supportive. They had the chance to learn more about dementia and share their experience – as well as benefitting from a break from caring duties. Our group member says she now feels in control, more assertive and has got her energy back.

“Our core Dementia Carer Support Course has been developed for friends and family of people with dementia and aims to support a wide range of carers in different situations. This expert-led, 3 day residential course is run throughout the year and is designed with carers’ needs in mind. Carers attending this course will have an opportunity to gain a better understanding of their friend or family member, the type of dementia they have, and to explore different ways of responding to challenges. There will be time to think about your own well-being and you will be provided with a range of tools to enhance your resilience.

As a charity we do not make a profit. We are fortunate to have reserves from the sale of the assets of our previous charity (we used to own care homes) to invest in the development and start-up costs of our new services. It costs the charity £650 per carer to deliver the course, including food and accommodation. We do not want anyone to be excluded from our services so we are not charging a fee for our courses. Therefore, we invite course participants to donate to the charity on completion of the course, if they are able to. A donation of £5 pays for a coffee break for a carer, £15 pays for a carer’s lunch and £300 pays for an expert course facilitator for a day. All donations, big or small, make such a difference.”

The Chimp Paradox

The above book was mentioned on the course. The member attending the course found the book insightful and she has since bought a copy. Interestingly, Janet and I have recently discovered this book and been reading it.

“The Chimp Paradox is an incredibly powerful mind management model that can help you become a happy, confident, healthier and more successful person.” More on this next time – a very interesting read.

Respite Care

We revisited the benefits of care homes for short periods of respite. Some group members had been surprised that some care homes expect a minimum stay of two weeks. A break of this length can be difficult, especially for a carer who is trying respite for the first time – there are emotional hurdles to be negotiated.

Continuing care assessment for someone with dementia

Two members of the group had been successful in assessments. They found the process stressful, confusing and with many pitfalls, but worthwhile in the end. The link above gives the Alzheimer’s Society’s tips on how to approach an assessment.

 

And for those who wish to try something different

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

I am on a training course at Lewisham Hospital for emotional resilience following cancer treatment – it is interesting and we could all do with some resilience!