Category Archives: dementia

Angela Rippon says 'Stop the Stigma' at Alzheimer's Society Battersea Park Memory Walk

Angela Rippon says ‘Stop the Stigma’ at Alzheimer’s Society Battersea Park Memory Walk

Published 23 September 2013

 

Well respected broadcaster Angela Rippon called upon hundreds of walkers to help end the stigma around dementia, as she kick started the Battersea Park Memory Walk on Sunday 22 September.

Angela, who is an ambassador for the charity welcomed walkers and said:

‘Everyone here today will have been touched by dementia in some way. This event is a terrific opportunity to raise thousands of pounds and help ensure Alzheimer’s Society can support people living with dementia and continue funding research. We need to do all we can to help, not just for those who have the condition, but their carers and family members. Events like this are very important, they take a huge step forward to ensure as a society we breakdown the stigma around the disease and show everyone that it is possible to live well with dementia.’

The walk in South London is expected to raise a massive £125,000. Many of the groups of walkers have made over £500 in sponsorship including Eileen’s Angels – a group of six women were there for their mum. Kate Wise, from Fulham, said:

World Alzheimer’s Day – 21st September 2013. How to talk to somebody with dementia!

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day.  We would like to take this opportunity to honour both people with Alzheimer’s and also their caregivers.

The aim of this blog is both to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and to give a few hints to how better communicate with people who are losing cognitive abilities.
There are a few basic principles which we would like to share with you.   Please feel free to share with others as well.a)      Firstly introduce yourself and address the person by their name.  This means that you will limit possibilities of confusion.

b)      Beware of facial  expressions and body language.

c)       Do not get angry however hard the conversation is.

d)      Try to be as simple as possible in both your choice of words and sentences. If you have to impart any instructions please just do one at a time.

e)      Be patient. It can be tough for both parties.

Dementia care home opens its own pub

A care home in Bristol has opened its own pub where residents can sit and have a chat over a pint of beer.

 

Humphry Repton House, which is run by the charity Milestones Trust, has become one of the first dementia care homes in the country to have a fully-working nostalgic pub.

Mike Jessup, activities coordinator, said: “It blurs the line between nursing home and normal life.”

Mr Jessup and his colleague Nicola Taylor came up with the idea after seeing how much residents enjoyed the ‘pub afternoons’ they regularly held at the home.

“We’ve opened three times so far,” says Ms Taylor, “and each time it has been relatives, staff and residents socialising together, there were no lines. Arthur spent all afternoon here with his daughters, and they said he was like a new man!”