We’ve sown the seeds, now keep the dementia debate growing
UBLIC AND POLITICAL awareness of the challenges faced by people with dementia and their families is increasing — and rightly so. As the National Dementia Strategy comes to a close, we know that it can’t stop here.
A timely diagnosis means that people with dementia and their families can become equal partners in their support. It gives a person with dementia the chance to express their wishes and to deal with their affairs; to create a supportive network and socialise with those who understand.
It also enables them to access services such as Dementia UK’s advice line and specialist organisations such as the Admiral Nursing Service. SweetTree’s Dementia Service, which assists people in their own homes, is now employing an Admiral Nurse, to help clients explore community services and acquire coping strategies.
Dementia UK, founder of the Admiral Nursing Service, has seen how so many family members provide innovative, compassionate care for relatives with dementia every day — and this has inspired its Creating Special Moments campaign, in conjunction with SweetTree. The campaign asks families to share a story about how they created special moments for their loved one and submit ideas on how to help someone live well with dementia.
One woman made a book for a relative, with photos of the family, named to remind him who everyone was. Another family used plain, bright coloured plates, as their relative could not comprehend the difference between food and a pattern in the china and so did not know which bits could be picked up and eaten. National Dementia Carers Day (September 14) will celebrate the work of family members in changing the lives of people with dementia. More information at www. nationaldementiacarersday.org.uk
SweetTree has developed cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) groups, with themed activities for people with mild to moderate dementia. Groups are held in partnership with Dr Aimee Spector, senior lecturer in clinical psychology at UCL and original developer of CST for people with dementia.
SweetTree Farming For All is a secure environment where people with dementia can enjoy gardening and crafts. At the London site in Mill Hill, participants can make flower baskets and bird boxes, grow vegetables, pick fruit, make jam and experience falconry. Nicki Bones is director of operations at SweetTree, nicki.bones@sweettree.co.uk Admiral Nursing Direct: 0845 257 9406