Story:Rachael Pearson | Photo:Nazrul Hussain
To see someone you love start to forget who they are, what they have achieved and to lose their independence is heartbreaking.
My great-grandmother fell victim to the disease in the later years of her life. It began with forgetting to take her tablets, losing money, becoming distrustful and not knowing what day of the week it was. Eventually, she moved into a care home and there she forgot who we were. At the grand age of 99 she passed away, peacefully.
Many people have their own story about dementia. Whether you have memory problems or are a carer, it can often feel like there is little you can do to make a difference, but after a visit to the ‘Dementia? Welcome! Cafe’ at the Furnival, I think it is time that more people started thinking positively about life with Alzheimer’s.
The volunteers who help run the sessions showed me the activities they had lined up; they had brought history books, games and little trinkets, like shells and scarves. These things provide a wide variety of ways to have conversation, and remind those with dementia of past memories and bring back happy feelings, whether of an old dress or a holiday at the seaside. The volunteers offer to teach carers these methods of communication and the Cafe can give carers a much needed break. Lisa, a new recruit told me about how she suffered from a brain injury which left her with memory difficulties. She wants to pass on the techniques she’s learnt to people dealing with similar symptoms. She wants people to understand that people with memory problems still have a lot to give.
Later, I joined the group on a visit to a local care home. Here I saw first hand the difference such small actions could make. We sang songs, played games and looked through pictures from the past and the residents became true individuals – a lovely man called Frank introduced me to the home’s parrot, a lady called Rita transformed after singing old songs like ‘Tipperary’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ and Connie was trying her best to win at dominoes. These were real people, with unique personalities and the dementia could not stop that.
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but the afternoon spent with the volunteers proved to me there are many things people can do to help. The cafe demonstrates there are simple, free techniques and attitudes that anyone can use. Life is not over because of dementia, but I fear as cuts to care budgets begin to be felt, many carers will need extra help to support their loved ones.
The ‘Dementia? Welcome! Cafe’ is open every Wednesday at the Furnival, Verdon Street 11am – 2pm.
Dementia cafe activities
Try flicking through an old photo album and talking about what someone remembers about the photos.
If you or someone you know is struggling with money, then write down what money is coming in and going out and keep receipts.
Try looking at trinkets or ornaments and asking where they are from.
Playing games and singing their favourite songs can brighten up someone’s day.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single illness but a group of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. The symptoms include:
memory loss, such as remembering past events much more easily than recent ones
problems thinking or reasoning, or finding it hard to follow conversations or TV programmes
feeling anxious, depressed or angry about memory loss, or feeling confused, even when in a familiar environment
What should I do?
If you’re worried about someone who is showing these signs, encourage them to visit their GP to get a diagnosis, this can help you get support services. Find more info on The Alzheimer's Society website – http://www.alzheimers.org.uk