Dementia

 Most people are unaware that interior décor can confuse those with dementia.  

Certain décor such as patterned and coloured carpets can cause dementia sufferers to become disorientated and unsettled. 

A recent survey conducted by United Carpets and Beds asked the public how they would adapt a home to suit somebody who was suffering with dementia. 

The results showed that almost a third of the public have no idea how to do this (30%), while a similar number would only think to address obvious hazards such as sharp corners and clutter (30.9%). Other findings included rearranging rooms and buying specialist furniture. 

Only 7.5% said they would consider changing the interior décor of the home. 

Avalon nursing home in Bridgwater is providing cooking sessions for residents with dementia as a way of keeping them interested in eating and drinking.

For many people living with a memory disorder eating nutritious meals can become a challenge as cognitive function declines.

This can lead to weight loss and problems including fatigue, a higher risk of infection and less muscle strength and dehydration.

Avalon, run by Camelot Care, has introduced ‘Tasty Thursday’ sessions where individuals can come together to prepare dishes.

“It’s all about having fun with food and helping our residents maintain a positive and healthy attitude towards eating and drinking,” said activities coordinator Lisa Priddice’

A simple way to overcome dementia communication barriers

A leading care centre in Seaford is keen to share its advice and successes in caring for people with dementia.  Its January top tip for anyone caring for someone with dementia is to use a simple but very effective communication aid. 

Clifden House Dementia Care Centre has implemented the use of simple but very effective communication aides for its residents. These are called ‘Communication Cards’.

Communication Cards are pictorial representations of common emotions and needs, and have proven to be an exceptionally useful mechanism for residents - allowing sufferers to quickly and easily express themselves clearly.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, a time of year highly anticipated by most. But sadly, for some of those who are affected by dementia, the festive season can become one of the loneliest times of the year. New research from Alzheimer’s society has found that over half of people affected by dementia find Christmas the most isolating time of the year.

Jolene Brackey, author of ‘Creating Moments of Joy’ and lead educator on the online course ‘Creating Moments of Joy for People with Alzheimer’s’ on the FutureLearn social learning platform, shares her tips on overcoming the challenges that the everyday battles of Alzheimer’s present.

1.  Live their truth

An East Sussex lady, whose husband Derek resides at Clifden House dementia care centre, completed a dare devil wing walk to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma of dementia.
 
Delia Spindlow, whose husband was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago said “It’s hard when someone close to you has dementia. While my husband is lucky enough to be in the superb care of Clifden House Dementia Care Centre in Seaford, I still wanted to do something to raise further awareness of this debilitating disease. “
 
Delia’s wing walk challenge took place on 23 September and helped raise money for Eastbourne Dementia Action Alliance, with the staff at Clifden House donating to the fundraising efforts.

Re:Cognition Health, a leading provider of final phase, international, clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, has launched a new centre in Birmingham.

Located in the Calthorpe Medical Estate, at 100 Hagley Road Road, B16 8LT, the new site will provide access to the very best healthcare and treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions, whilst pioneering research to ultimately help pave the way to finding a cure for the disease.

A specialist nursing home has appointed an expert coordinator for its dementia friendly Market Square.
 
The Lodge, which is based within the award-winning Buckshaw Retirement Village, Chorley, appointed coordinator Chris Durnan to oversee operations of its ‘Market Square’ which is designed especially for older residents and those with dementia.
Facilities within the Market Square include a 20-seater cinema, the Pet Shop, a pub, café, bakery, hair and beauty salon and a music relaxation lounge.
 
Chris, who is 33 and from Chorley, has worked in the care industry from the age of 16, working his way up to management level while also gaining a diploma in dementia studies from Bradford University.
 

Cinemas across the UK will be recognising World Alzheimer’s Month this September with a series of dementia-friendly film events.

The BFI Film Audience Network and venue partners are making film accessible throughout September and beyond, for audiences living with dementia. Regular relaxed screenings, full of live entertainment, will offer safe and welcoming experiences.

The film screenings are developed by venues and supported by the eight BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) Hubs across the UK and National Lottery funding, who provide dementia-friendly guidance, training and support to cinema operators.

Hana Lewis, Strategic Manager of Film Hub Wales explains: