One of the loveliest parts of my work is being able to help people by sharing our experiences as a family, augmented by what I have learnt from my campaigning and consultancy in the 8+ years since my dad died.…
Tag: care
I need you
In my 2013 blog post ‘What is dementia’ I focused on the symptoms of dementia, noting the following amongst my very long list of ways in which a person can be affected by dementia: “An increasing need for reassurance (someone…
The art of gentleness
Earlier this month I found myself in the honoured position of being a judge for a care awards event. As judges we had six categories to review, and there were some amazing testimonies of the care and support dedicated social…
Harnessing the power of observation
I feel very strongly that one of the most important attributes anyone providing care and support to a person with dementia can have is the ability to observe. In our helter-skelter, multi-tasking lives it’s easy to lose the quietly reflective…
The ‘stages’ of dementia
I had a very refreshing conversation recently with someone running a care company about the ‘stages’ of dementia. In this person’s view, the way in which the medical model defines dementia by different stages isn’t helpful for a more human…
Playing the numbers game
I write this blog on the cusp of September which is the 4th World Alzheimer’s Month, a yearly international campaign to raise awareness and challenge stigma. There have been announcements in August around prevalence that have kept dementia in the…
Researching dementia
Last week statistics were released showing that during the last year 22,000 people took part in dementia research – a 60% rise – and that 10,000 people have signed up to Join Dementia Research. Research isn’t a topic that I’ve written about…
Wellbeing and dementia
‘Wellbeing’ is everywhere these days. Health and social care professionals are eulogising about it and it now has an important place in legislation, with the Care Act featuring wellbeing prominently. But what exactly is it, and how do we enable…
Taking stock
Last weekend marked the 3rd anniversary of my dad’s death. Alongside remembering that immensely sad day, it also prompted a lot of reflection, both personally about dad’s life and the gap he has left behind, but also more generally about…
A helping hand
When a loved one is living with dementia, it is inevitable that a time will come when they will need additional help and support. A person with dementia may be very resistant to any intervention from any individual, and who…