Category: Uncategorized

We’re having a heatwave

by Peter, posted in Uncategorized

Tony was with us this week, courtesy of funding from Music in Hospitals and Care. Despite the heatwave, we had lots of dancers and a few singers.

I’m sure his rendition of “Ring of Fire” was fuelled by the fact that Tony appeared to be melting in the heat.

Next time we meet it will be Reflections’ second birthday – there will be a party!

“Someone I Used to Know” BBC Radio 4 book of the week

by Peter, posted in Uncategorized

We have just finished listening to this book on the BBC iPlayer. Someone I Used to Know it is the story of Wendy Mitchell who was diagnosed with early onset dementia aged 58. In the first episode she describes the symptoms she had which prompted her to seek help. It is worth listening to. The more we can understand first hand experiences of people living with dementia the better we will be able to help them live well in our communities. Episode 1 is here

October 17th: The return of Tony

by Peter, posted in Uncategorized

Another wonderful afternoon, with Tony entertaining the group. The group always look forward to him coming. There was plenty of singing and dancing. Ring of Fire was especially popular and we think Tony is considering recruiting the group as his backing band.

We always believe in fulfilling the wishes of Friends, if we are able to. Just before Tony started singing, we were approached by one Friend who asked if they could sing a song to the group that they had been practicing. Although their speech has been affected by dementia, they sang beautifully, had a wonderful voice, and got a huge round of applause from the group. A special moment.

 

 

Carers’ Group: 9th October

by Peter, posted in Uncategorized

This evening 6 carers came along and we had a very full session. We welcomed Cathy to the team and she and Julie supported 1 person while their carer attended the group session.

The issues discussed by the group were:

  • Feedback from the previous session – One carer reported that she had found the previous session really helpful and beneficial. She had been using the tips she had learnt and was coping better. Another carer reported that, as a result of attending the group, he had started talking about things he didn’t know he felt.
  • Self care – The emotional impact of caring can be hard. Self care is vitally important. Carers to recognise it is not selfish to talk about their own needs. You can’t pour from an empty vessel.
  • Deflection – Learning to adapt to situations and use strategies when interacting with the person with dementia. Use distraction techniques.
  • Handling bad days – Try not to make a bad day worse than it is, try to keep calm and on an even keel, be prepared to walk away, if necessary. Even during bad times here will be good, and positive, moments. Use choice power to focus on these and let the bad times go.
  • Music – The group talked about the power of music. A carer reported she had read that the songs we hear between the ages of 15 and 25 are the ones we remember most.

The next Carers’ Group is on Monday 13th November.

We look forward to seeing you next time.