Category Archives: dementia

Workshops aim to aid communication between carers and people with dementia

A charity is putting the focus on helping carers of people living with dementia at a series of free workshops.

Age UK Norwich is running simple, friendly information workshops at easy-to-reach locations around Norwich for anyone who is struggling to support a person diagnosed with dementia, including tips on the best ways to communicate and understanding common behaviour associated with the condition.

Marie Lucas, dementia development lead for the city-based charity, said: “We have already held three sessions, and they have gone really well. One gentleman whose mother recently had a dementia diagnosis told us that, after getting the diagnosis from her GP, he had not known where to go next or what help was available. That is something we often hear. What we are trying to do is to empower carers and give them confidence. We can ’signpost’ them to what other help is available, and we can also give them tips and information about coping with everyday situations.”

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Carers group has successful run helping people in the fight against isolation

Donna-Louise Bishop

Extreme isolation and loneliness, which saw a woman from north Norfolk house-bound for three weeks at a time, was the inspiration behind a successful carers support group in Wells.

Juanita Spencer, of Theatre Road, cared for her husband Jack for more than a decade, after he developed dementia and survived a number of strokes, before he died in January 2011.

During that time, the 78-year-old said she had felt extremely isolated, especially during the first few years.

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Dementia friends in Norwich come together to help raise awareness

Dementia Friends gather at The Forum in Norwich for National Dementia Week.

Picture : ANTONY KELLY

More than 100 people who have trained to better understand dementia gathered on the steps outside The Forum in Norwich to show their commitment to making the city dementia-friendly.

Since January, businesses and organisations around the county have been working hard to ensure they are dementia friendly, training their staff to better understand the illness which is set to rise in prevalence by 35pc in Norfolk over the next eight years.

There are now more than 40 members taking part in the bid – among them EDP and Evening News publisher Archant – all pledging support and specific objectives pledges.

Susan Ringwood, chief executive of Age UK Norwich, said: “It’s about us all thinking and understanding more about dementia.”

In Norfolk, some 14,000 people have dementia, but experts believe the figure will rise to 19,000 by 2025.

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