Bid to have village dementia friendly
A woman who saw her late husband struck down by dementia is spearheading Newmains’ drive to become more dementia friendly.
Ray Fallon has been appointed the NCT Centre’s dementia friendly co-ordinator less than five months after husband James lost his six year battle with the crippling disease at the age of just 56.
Shotts woman Ray, 55, said: “This job has came at the right time for me.
“James was diagnosed with dementia when he was only 50.
“The knowledge I have gained over the years has been immense.
“This service is very much needed for those living with dementia and their carers.”
Ray and James had returned from a surprise holiday in Spain with 24 friends to celebrate James’s 50th birthday when he began to lack coordination and he seemed nervous.
James was eventually diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration (CBD) – a rare brain condition that currently affects only 100 people in the UK.
It is caused by increasing numbers of brain cells becoming damaged or dying over time and the only research into the condition is done during post-mortem.
Ray is determined to help carers and dementia sufferers in her new role at the centre which kicks-off with a launch day on Friday, July 20.
Ray said: “We are looking to do a number of things over the next few months.
“These include a befriending service, a drop- in cafe which we hope will be in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, musical acts and entertainment evenings.
“We are also planning a gardening programme and a carers drop-in centre.
“There will also be tea dances with entertainment. It’s a big job.”
Drawing on her own experience, Ray is convinced the service will be vital for carers struggling to cope with the demands of a person diagnosed with dementia.
She added: “It’s wonderful if people can speak to someone who completely understands what they are going through.
“All of the services are fantastic and do great work but on a personal level it’s completely different.
“Having someone to talk to can make all the difference.”
For more information on the launch on July 20 contact the NCT Centre on 01698 386403 or email ray@nctcentre.co.uk.