It’s often been said that knowledge is power, and I’ve always advocated that’s never been more true than for unpaid family carers. I’ve frequently thought it quite crazy that as a society we expect/accept/encourage family members, friends and neighbours to…
Tag: learning
Knowledge is power
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.…
A celebration of what is possible
As another September brings World Alzheimer’s Month, there is always the temptation to write a blog that points out how much we still need to do to improve awareness, care and support for people who are living with dementia and…
The forgotten workforce
In all of the meetings I’ve attended about unpaid carers in the 6+ years since my own caring role for my dad ended, the most common themes have been: A) How do we identify carers? And B) How do we…
Action for dementia care and support – Changes associated with dementia
Welcome to the last of my five blog posts for UK Dementia Action Week 2018 (DAW2018). This year Dementia Awareness Week is renamed Dementia Action Week to reflect the need for action for people affected by dementia rather than only focusing on awareness. In this…
Action for dementia care and support – Living with dementia
Welcome to the fourth of my five blog posts for UK Dementia Action Week 2018 (DAW2018). This year Dementia Awareness Week is renamed Dementia Action Week to reflect the need for action for people affected by dementia rather than only focusing on awareness. In this…
Action for dementia care and support – Communication and dementia
Welcome to the third of my five blog posts for UK Dementia Action Week 2018 (DAW2018). This year Dementia Awareness Week is renamed Dementia Action Week to reflect the need for action for people affected by dementia rather than only focusing on awareness. In this…
Action for dementia care and support – Being person and relationship centred
Welcome to the second of my five blog posts for UK Dementia Action Week 2018 (DAW2018). This year Dementia Awareness Week is renamed Dementia Action Week to reflect the need for action for people affected by dementia rather than only focusing on awareness. In this…
Action for dementia care and support – The basics of dementia
Welcome to the first of my five blog posts for UK Dementia Action Week 2018 (DAW2018). This year Dementia Awareness Week is renamed Dementia Action Week to reflect the need for action for people affected by dementia rather than only focusing on awareness. In this…
Why are you a carer?
On the face of it this is a really simple question, yet it is one that can generate so much discussion. It’s something I’ve been asked a lot in the last few years in the context of, “Why did you…
Fixing dementia care in hospitals
Standards of hospital care for people with dementia made the news last week, with an investigation by the Alzheimer’s Society showing shocking variations in the quality of care being given, prompting the charity to launch their ‘Fix Dementia Care’ campaign. Given…
Dementia takes… and dementia gives
The start of a new year is a time that many people find themselves in a reflective mood, and I have more cause than most to feel that way as 2016 kicks off. As some readers may know if they follow…
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…
