Real stories Care home reunion inspires new dementia poem, ‘Out of lockdown’ Tony's wife, Sheila, has Alzheimer's disease and lives in residential care. They have been separated for most of the year because of the coronavirus pandemic. We are delighted to share Tony's latest poem inspired by their care home reunion. Tony's wife, Sheila, has Alzheimer's disease and lives in residential care. They have been separated for most of the year because of the coronavirus pandemic. We are delighted to share Tony's latest poem inspired by their care home reunion. ... 29 December 2020
Advice Celebrating Chanukah in care homes – advice for carers of people living with dementia Religious festivals, such as Chanukah, give families and friends an opportunity to come together in celebration. We spoke to Jewish Care’s Gill Yentis and care home resident, Dorothea Jacobs, about what Chanukah means to them and how they will be celebrating this year. Religious festivals, such as Chanukah, give families and friends an opportunity to come together in celebration. We spoke to Jewish Care’s Gill Yentis and care home resident, Dorothea Jacobs, about what Chanukah means to them and how they will be celebrating this year. ... 10 December 2020
Real stories 'Mum was not Mum' - spotting the first signs of Alzheimer's disease When Jacqueline's mum stopped doing the things she enjoyed, she took her to the GP. She tells her story of Audrey's diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease and the changes in her behaviour. When Jacqueline's mum stopped doing the things she enjoyed, she took her to the GP. She tells her story of Audrey's diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease and the changes in her behaviour. ... 08 December 2020
Advice Dementia activity ideas: 5 ways our handbook for carers can help If you’re caring for a person with dementia, our handbook is for you. Read how it can help you find activities suited to the person’s interests and abilities. If you’re caring for a person with dementia, our handbook is for you. Read how it can help you find activities suited to the person’s interests and abilities. ... 27 November 2020
Real stories Peter's dementia poem for his wife, Joyce - 'A Changing Life' Peter has been looking after his wife, Joyce, for over 12 years. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 58. Peter finds comfort in writing poetry, and hopes others will benefit from reading his poem about dementia. Peter has been looking after his wife, Joyce, for over 12 years. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 58. Peter finds comfort in writing poetry, and hopes others will benefit from reading his poem about dementia. ... 19 November 2020
Advice 'I decided Christine was coming home with me' - Moving out of a care home during coronavirus As a loved one of a person in residential care, you may be considering whether it is better for them to live in the care home or at home. Ronald shares his experience about bringing his wife, Christine, back home during the coronavirus pandemic. As a loved one of a person in residential care, you may be considering whether it is better for them to live in the care home or at home. Ronald shares his experience about bringing his wife, Christine, back home during the coronavirus pandemic. ... 13 November 2020
Real stories Dad's dementia progression in the care home after coronavirus hit Coronavirus restrictions on care homes had a huge impact on Tanya’s Dad, Alex, who was living with dementia. Tanya reflects on her Dad’s experience of the care system, and the fundraising she is doing to raise awareness. Coronavirus restrictions on care homes had a huge impact on Tanya’s Dad, Alex, who was living with dementia. Tanya reflects on her Dad’s experience of the care system, and the fundraising she is doing to raise awareness. ... 06 November 2020
Real stories Raising awareness of dementia in Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities Thelma Gray was diagnosed with dementia in the early 90s and found a total lack of support. Her eldest daughter, Barbara, explains how her family’s story is motivating her to raise awareness among Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities. Thelma Gray was diagnosed with dementia in the early 90s and found a total lack of support. Her eldest daughter, Barbara, explains how her family’s story is motivating her to raise awareness among Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities. ... 29 October 2020
Research ‘I’m just doing my bit to help’ - Rapid testing for coronavirus using saliva Since the pandemic started, it has been important to test as many people as possible for coronavirus. This helps to understand its spread. Fundraiser Sarah talks about a pilot she’s involved in that uses a rapid coronavirus test and has big ambitions. Since the pandemic started, it has been important to test as many people as possible for coronavirus. This helps to understand its spread. Fundraiser Sarah talks about a pilot she’s involved in that uses a rapid coronavirus test and has big ambitions. ... 28 October 2020
Real stories A lack of Government support for dementia in coronavirus: David and Catriona's story David has looked after his wife Catriona, who has dementia, for seven years. But the national coronavirus lockdown meant their network of services fell away. Here, he reflects on the impact of coronavirus on people affected by dementia. David has looked after his wife Catriona, who has dementia, for seven years. But the national coronavirus lockdown meant their network of services fell away. Here, he reflects on the impact of coronavirus on people affected by dementia. ... 27 October 2020
Real stories 'People with dementia have been the last to be considered in this pandemic' - Janet's story Janet moved in with her mum, Dorothy, who has mixed dementia, to be her sole carer. The coronavirus pandemic has seen all their support and social contact drop away. Now, Janet is calling on Government to address the needs of people affected by dementia. Janet moved in with her mum, Dorothy, who has mixed dementia, to be her sole carer. The coronavirus pandemic has seen all their support and social contact drop away. Now, Janet is calling on Government to address the needs of people affected by dementia. ... 20 October 2020
Real stories My identity as a Black woman with vascular dementia is fundamental Vesna Okaikoi had a difficult childhood, not knowing who her parents were and growing up in foster care alongside her twin sister, Loraine. Now 65 years old and living with vascular dementia, Vesna reflects on the power of identity and how learning about her heritage has been a source of strength through challenging times. Vesna Okaikoi had a difficult childhood, not knowing who her parents were and growing up in foster care alongside her twin sister, Loraine. Now 65 years old and living with vascular dementia, Vesna reflects on the power of identity and how learning about her heritage has been a source of strength through challenging times. ... 15 October 2020