Lacey Turner joins in for Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day 2019
Dust off your baking bowls and whip out your whisks, Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day is back on Thursday 13 June. Actress and Alzheimer’s Society supporter, Lacey Turner, is urging everyone to unite against dementia with their families, friends and colleagues, by baking or buying cupcakes to raise vital funds. Being close to friends and colleagues affected by dementia, Lacey Turner is now supporting the cause, having taken part in a Cupcake Day tasting event last year. Speaking about supporting Cupcake Day, Lacey said: “After tasting lots of treats last year, I’m so happy to be taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day again,” said Lacey. “Cupcake Day is not just for the pros, I didn’t do any baking last year- I can only make toast! You can bake, bring or buy, but what’s important is that we all unite together to help beat dementia. “Every three minutes someone in the UK develops dementia but each cupcake sold will help get us a step closer to finding a cure. That’s why I’m calling on all the bakers and fakers to join me; it’s time to get to work! You can sign up for a free fundraising kit at cupcakeday.org.uk.” Research will beat dementia, but we need more funding to find a cure. There hasn’t been a new drug for dementia in 15 years – but since 2013, the number of clinical trials for Alzheimer’s drugs has doubled, and Alzheimer’s Society is investing in, and accelerating, dementia research, having committed to spending at least £150m in the next decade. With 850,000 people in the UK having dementia, we owe better knowledge of the condition to everyone affected, so that they can live better. It is only through research that we can understand what causes dementia, develop effective treatments, improve care and one day find a cure. Sue Clarke, Alzheimer’s Society operations manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Greater Manchester, said: “We’re all delighted that Lacey is supporting us for Cupcake Day. It’s great to see how attending a Cupcake Day event last year has inspired Lacey to get more involved in the fun this year. “Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer. Each cupcake will help us find a cure, improve care and offer help and understanding for people affected. Events such as Cupcake Day make it easy for everyone to get involved, and raise awareness of the important work we do to support people with dementia.” Now in its fourth year, Cupcake Day has raised £2.7 million since 2016. Last year more than 3,873 baking pros, impatient icers, first-timers and late night whiskers from the North West united together against dementia for Cupcake Day. This June, Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging everyone to bake, bring or buy, to raise more than ever before to help beat dementia. In just the average time it takes to bake a batch of cakes, six people will develop dementia in the UK. Whether you choose to host your own event for Cupcake Day on 13 June or mark the occasion another time in the month, there are no excuses not to get involved. Visit cupcakeday.org.uk to sign up today!
Penwortham man living with dementia releases song for Alzheimer’s Society
69-year-old John Holt who is living with dementia has been inspired to write a song about his experiences of the condition. The song ‘The Secret D’ has been released on iTunes with all proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Society. John, who lives in Penwortham, attends Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain in Penwortham, and is also a member of the Skylarks Community Choir. As a former musician in a brass band, John penned the lyrics and contacted ‘The Songwriting Charity’, set up by Nathan Timothy, who agreed to write the music and produce it. John explains: “I wanted to write something that explains what happens when you get dementia and how if you keep doing activities it can genuinely help you. I hope the lyrics communicate how I feel I live with the illness and emphasise that there are many things we can still do and learn. We don’t have to just sit back and silently accept the inevitable. ‘I try to be as active as possible and organise lots of new things and I really believe that helps me to deal with this condition. I wanted to share that message with other people with dementia, and, at the same time, raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society, as I feel the charity has really helped me. ‘I feel my confidence has grown since attending these singing groups. I do a solo every week, and prior to getting dementia, I would never have stood up and sung. Now I have written a song and sold 200 copies of the CD already.” Nathan Timothy from The Songwriting Charity based in Kent said: “John contacted me after reading online about my work and I was honoured when he asked me if I could help him with this fantastic and unique project. My own father has been diagnosed with dementia so I am fully aware of the impact it has on the lives of so many people.” The lead vocals are sung by 22 year-old Lewis Hampson who studies music at UCLan. Lewis recently lost his grandfather to dementia and so was keen to be involved as it had a personal significance for him. Lewis Hampson says: “I met John at a singing for the brain group having been persuaded to go along by mum who works for Alzheimer’s Society. Having lost my grandad last year, who lived with dementia, I felt humbled when I was asked to sing lead vocals on the song John had wrote. It made me think I was giving something back to the society who had supported him and my nan. I am in my final year at UClan studying Musical Theatre so singing is a great passion of mine. Being part of this project was my absolute pleasure.” A small group from Skylarks community choir (including John) were also involved in singing on the recording. Jane Swarbrick, who leads Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain group and runs Skylark Community choir said: “It’s amazing what John has achieved by writing this song and selling 200 copies of the CD already. I think it’s truly inspirational that so many people have come together to support and help make this happen for John. ‘I think John echoes an important message that people can still live well with dementia and keeping active and having interests helps many people with dementia. ‘Music is also so important for people with dementia. Even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music can sometimes still be recalled – if only for a short while. Singing for the Brain sessions help people living with dementia communicate, improving their mood and leaving them feeling good about themselves.’ ‘Dementia devastates lives, but dementia won’t win. Until the day we find a cure we will be here for anyone affected by dementia, where they are, whatever they’re going through. We need more people like John and those who have supported him to join us now and unite against dementia.” If you want to download the song please go to https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-secret-d-single/1455634899 John is also writing a book called ‘From Birth to Dementia’ about his life. From running your local 5K to trekking Mount Kilimanjaro and cycling from London to Paris to parachuting, Alzheimer’s Society has a fantastic range of events both in the UK and abroad. Unite with us now at www.alzheimers.org.uk
£7.5m sheltered housing scheme opens at Danemore Tenterden
A major landmark in Ashford Borough Council’s multi-million-pound modernisation plan for its sheltered housing schemes has seen the re-opening of the £7.5m Danemore scheme in Tenterden. Located at Beechy Path and a short walk from the town centre, the new-look Danemore provides 34 homes for affordable rent for older people, together with four chalet bungalows which will be sold on the open market. Modelled on the multi-award-winning Farrow Court scheme developed by the council in south Ashford, Danemore has 25 one bedroom and nine two-bedroom apartments, built to a high quality that are care ready. “The first tenants have moved in and I’m delighted to say that we are already seeing a really happy community atmosphere being generated there,” said Sharon Williams, Head of Housing at Ashford Borough Council. The first people to call Danemore home are enjoying a range of high-quality facilities. There is a large cosy communal lounge and kitchen, laundry room, guest suite, buggy store and cycle racks. A treatment room provides hair dressing, nail bar and podiatrist and chiropodist massage chair plus foot spa. A real community feel is fostered by the inclusion of shared facilities, including ‘hubs’ or sub lounges in addition to a main communal lounge located on the ground floor. The scheme has been designed to maximise natural daylight in each home and through the many shared spaces. Just as much care and thought has gone into designing exterior spaces at Danemore. The traditionally built carbon friendly flats incorporate a large area of green roofing, with each flat benefiting from a winter garden balcony protected by a glazed screen. There are architect landscaped designed garden spaces with potting shed and raised beds for residents to use. Security and connectivity are high priorities at Danemore – the scheme has CCTV monitored both on and off site, a video door entry system, a sprinkler system fitted in every apartment, the council-controlled Lifeline system installed and free WiFi in the lounge, with Freeview and Freesat also available in each of the 34 apartments. A manager is available to ensure the smooth running of the scheme, while ABC’s own Handyman service is able to help with maintenance work. Danemore is designed to be dementia-friendly throughout, taking into account colour schemes, light, corridor lengths, patterns and memory shelves. The scheme has been devised in recognition of the need to make special provision for the needs of an ageing population – by 2026 it is anticipated that around 40% of the residents within the Ashford borough will be aged over 50. Danemore costs around £7.5m, paid for through the council’s housing revenue account and grant funding from Homes England. Sharon Williams said: “Ashford Borough Council has a strong track record of taking an innovative approach to delivering quality accommodation that meets the needs of our residents. Our approach to the health and housing agenda is leading the way and gives people the chance to live independently, providing a range of cost, social and health benefits. “Farrow Court was the first project in our proactive approach to sheltered scheme remodelling and it has set the bar high. With the addition of Danemore and other schemes in the pipeline, we are making real progress in tackling the needs of an ageing population and helping to reduce social isolation.” The old Danemore sheltered housing scheme was demolished in 2017, with the new facility built by Westridge Construction Ltd, with architects PRP also involved.
Happy Days Dementia Workshop
At Happy Days Dementia Workshop, we are passionate about helping care teams enrich social care. We’ve spent many years visiting residential and dementia care homes, hospitals, care services and families. We observed and have since designed reminiscence materials to help people engage and prompt memories to bring about meaningful conversations and stories to share and enjoy. When people see and experience our range of traditional games like Jacks, Beetle Drive or bespoke Snakes & Ladders with chat prompts, to vintage sweet shops, bus stops, seaside displays and 1950s rooms, I’m often asked where it all started. Well, it all started in Lancaster, studying for a masters degree where I became interested in the effect that prompting the long term memory can have. Unbeknown to me at the time, this was the beginning of my journey into helping care teams engage and enrich social care for elderly and people living with dementia. Much has happened since then and here’s a peep into how Happy Days nostalgic materials and environment ideas can help: Care Homes: Hospitals: Home Care Providers: As we are now more aware of how loneliness is affecting people, companionship sessions are more established. Create a collection nostalgic games, large piece jigsaw puzzles, tactile items, reminiscence boxes and chat prompts to share with the people you are caring for. Dementia Cafes & Volunteers: For more information about Happy Days Dementia Workshop & Design’s range of engagement materials see: www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk
Alzheimer’s Society to launch new café support group
Parbold and Skelmersdale Alzheimer’s Society dementia cafes will become one new café support group for people with dementia starting on Wednesday 10 April at Skelmersdale library. The amalgamated Café will provide an opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to socialise and get much needed face to face support. Dementia Cafés provide people with dementia and carers a platform to talk openly about living with dementia within a relaxed and informal environment. The group will also hear from a variety of guest speakers, including health and social care professionals and representatives from the local community, about topics and services relevant to them. Kathleen Storton, Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in West Lancashire said: “Following feedback from people currently attending both cafes in Parbold and Skelmersdale, we agreed it made sense to hold just one café support group on a different day in the afternoon from 1pm – 3pm to make it more accessible for people affected by dementia. ‘Alzheimer’s Society continues to support people affected by dementia in West Lancashire through our Dementia Adviser and Dementia Support services. Merging the cafes enables our Dementia Support Worker to spend more time providing one to one support. ‘Dementia cafes can really help improve people’s quality of life. They give people with the condition and their carers the opportunity to socialise with others in similar situations and receive vital support. They’re also a great source of information and guidance which can help people to live well with the condition. ‘Alzheimer’s Society also provide information, support and advice through our national Dementia Helpline and are here for anyone affected by dementia on 0300 222 11 22. Our website (alzheimers.org.uk) offers a wealth of information about all forms of dementia, along with Talking Point is our free online community where anyone affected by dementia can receive peer support. ‘We do hope that you can come along and join us on Wednesday 10 April to help us launch the café.” Linda Manwaring who attends the Dementia Café in Ormskirk said: “My life has improved a great deal since coming to the café support group, because I can talk to other carers and the staff and I can also share experiences with them. The dementia cafes are an excellent idea. ‘I think the staff and volunteers are very supportive and kind. They have a lovely way about them which can really help. It’s a great way for people to come together, carers can share experiences and gain support from others in a similar situation” There are 1,544 people living with dementia in West Lancashire. With the right support people can live well with the condition for a number of years. If you would like more information about the Skelmersdale café starting on Wednesday 10 April (1.30pm until 3.30pm) please contact Kathleen Storton and other Alzheimer’ Society staff on 01772 788700 or kathleen.storton@alzheimers.org.uk As well as Dementia Cafés, Alzheimer’s Society in West Lancashire runs a number of services including Dementia Advisers, Dementia Support Workers, Singing for the Brain and Carers Information and Support Programme. For more information visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinfo
Visiting dog inspires care home resident to speak
RALPH the dog turned a care home resident who rarely speaks into a chatterbox during a recent visit. The pet pooch and his owner, Ian Turnbull, were visiting The Beeches Care Home, in Stockton-on-Tees. When the pair went to see resident Brian Fenny, 85, who has dementia, staff were surprised when he began speaking to his four-legged visitor. Jessica Roth, activities coordinator at The Beeches Care Home, said: “Brian doesn’t tend to talk that much and mainly communicates through gestures and looking at pictures. “However, when he saw Ralph, he started talking in sentences. He kept saying Ralph was “lovely”, and a “good boy”. He was telling Ralph to sit and wait as he was giving him his dog treats. “Brian had a big smile on his face and then, when Ralph was going to see the next resident, he put his thumbs up. “Myself and the other girls on shift were surprised at how much he responded to Ralph. It warmed our hearts seeing him so happy with the dog.” The visit from Ralph and Ian was arranged through Wag and Company North East Friendship Dogs. The charity assesses volunteers and their dogs and arranges regular visits to older dog lovers in their own homes or in care and medical establishments across the region. As well as visiting Brian, Ralph was taken to see other residents in their rooms and those sat in the main lounges in both the home’s residential and dementia units. Jessica Brown, home manager at The Beeches Care Home, said: “Everyone responded well to Ralph and enjoyed giving him dog treats. “A big thank you goes to Ian for bringing Ralph to meet the residents and to Wag and Company for arranging the visit. “The residents always love visits from animals, particularly dogs, as many of them used to be dog owners and activities like this bring back fond memories.” For similar stories about Ralph the dog and other care related stories click here
“Being part of this has honestly been the highlight of my life”
Rita Newman, who is a carer for her husband who lives with dementia, tells how a National Lottery funded arts project has helped her cope with loneliness Rita Newman is originally from London but has lived in Mold, Flintshire for over forty years and has been attending Arts from the Armchair workshops since 2016. The weekly creative sessions are for people with early onset memory loss and dementia and was founded in 2015 as a collaboration between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Theatr Clwyd. Arts from the Armchair works closely with the carers involved, who’s daily experiences can be lonely and both physically and emotionally tiring. Rita said: “I feel absolutely dreadful sometimes and my role at home can be mentally draining. When you are caring for someone with dementia, you don’t have time to do all the things you normally do. I’m a painter but I haven’t painted for years. Coming to the workshops is such a solace and it’s as if a big burden is lifted from my shoulders. “It’s a warm, friendly environment where we do all these wonderfully imaginative things. They get our imagination working and we do silly things we would never do at home. I couldn’t have gone on as long as I did if I didn’t have this.” The project provides a positive, creative and participant led experience with actors, musicians, costume makers and painters leading the sessions and performances. Activities include story making, puppetry, set design and word games which have proven to be stimulating, interesting and fun for those living with dementia. A wealth of research by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board reveals that taking part in creative activities such as singing, painting and story writing can promote health and wellbeing and improve the quality of life of those living with dementia and their carers’. According to the health board, 11,000 people in north Wales alone are living with memory loss. Rita said: “Thanks to the workshops, we get to work closely with the staff at Theatr Clwyd and we’ve made costumes, painted sets and visited the sound room where they take care of the audio for plays. We’ve been shown all the secrets and it’s wonderful. Having a part to play in a real theatre production was a dream come true. “I started acting when I was eight but my parents wouldn’t let me pursue it as a career. To come here and be immersed in every aspect of the theatre is incredible. Most recently, I got to go on stage with professional actors and it truly was the highlight of my life. I just wish this project was all over the United Kingdom, it has without a doubt rejuvenated our lives.” An award of £26,000 thanks to National Lottery players through the Arts Council of Wales has helped Arts from the Armchair reach people living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment and their carers’ in the Wrexham and Flintshire areas. The programme was winner of the Arts, Business and Health award 2017 for its successful arts and health partnership. Andrea Davies, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Arts in Health and Well-Being Coordinator said: “We are incredibly proud of this project which has opened doors for the participants and been a positive experience all round. The idea was to develop a project where creative and health professionals would collaborate to design the perfect intervention project; one which would be inspiring, positive and engaging and create a sense of community for those taking part. “Independent evaluations reveal that those taking part and their carers feel the benefits with many saying that coming to Arts in the Armchair is the highlight of their week and that the feel-good factor can last for days after the sessions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved, not least the Arts Council of Wales and National Lottery for funding the Creative Well scheme, without which, we could not deliver the programme.” In Wrexham and Flintshire alone, the National Lottery has awarded around £101m to over 4,600 good causes since it was launched 25 years ago. Charities, community groups, grassroots sports projects, arts organisations, athletes, film makers, and heritage sites have reaped rewards from the funding. Keep an eye in local media and on National Lottery Good Causes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and the hashtags #LotteryLovesWrexham #LotteryLovesFlintshire #Chwedlau’rLoteri over the next month for more inspirational stories like Arts from the Armchair which illustrates how National Lottery funding has helped to change the lives of people in Wrexham and Flintshire for the better.
First Dementia Support Group Launched at Winchester Care Home
The Winchester care home, Tegfield House has launched a new dementia support group for relatives who want to gain a greater understanding of their loved ones who are living with dementia. The two-hour session gave families a chance to talk, listen and share experiences. All attendees have something in common – they have a relation living at Tegfield House, who is also living with dementia. The gatherings allow conversations to reflect on emotive topics such as the changes we see as people get older. The welcoming and family orientated Chilbolton Avenue care home hosted the first session recently with General Manager Jo Aitken, Deputy Manager Jacqui Standing welcoming eight relatives in to the friendly setting. Hartford Care Brand Director Jo Gavin attended the first meeting as a guest speaker. The group discussed the challenges that families face and how dementia can change the lives of individuals. The Support Group was the bright idea of Deputy Manager Jacqui. The compassionate and experienced team member joined the Hartford Care family as a Senior Care Assistant in August 2013 and then accepted the role of Deputy Manager in November 2017: “I often speak to residents’ families who watch the behaviours of their loved one change over time. They have questions and want to find ways to connect so they can still spend quality time together. Dementia is a difficult topic to understand so I approached a few families to tell them my idea and they agreed that it would be beneficial to meet. It’s all about creating understanding, empathy and awareness!” Tegfield House is a family home created with three underlying values at its core. These are care, comfort and companionship and Jo Aitken is the Manager: We are a friendly and caring home, so a Support Group seemed like a good idea. Our staff are keen to make a positive difference to the lives of our residents and their families. We have a little community here at Tegfield House and we think of all the relatives as family and we want to be here to support them. Loving a person who is older and living with dementia can be confusing or even a little sad at times. We will always put those in our care, first. Those who love them, matter hugely to us as well, and we are pleased to be able to listen and we look forward to seeing more people at the next meeting. The impact of the first meeting is hugely positive and gladly received. Feedback from the participants include comments such as: “I feel better to know I’m not alone and other families are going through the same thing as me”. The support group will continue every 8 weeks and hopefully will help the families further in their journey. The next interactive session in April will focus on factual information to help the relatives understand dementia, with information provided from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Twiddlemuffs and doll donations help residents with dementia
Twiddlemuffs and dolls have been donated to a North Yorkshire care home to help residents with dementia. Volunteers from two separate groups knitted and donated the therapeutic items to Sycamore Hall Care Home, in Ripon. The Ripon Cathedral group of the Mothers’ Union Diocese of Leeds dropped off around a dozen handmade twiddlemuffs at the home. While the volunteer group Comfort Dolls and Twiddles for People With Dementia made a separate donation of twiddlemuffs and several comfort dolls. A twiddlemuff is a knitted or crocheted handwarmer with accessories such as ribbons and buttons sewn on to them, which help to calm those with dementia by keeping their hands and minds occupied. Dolls are also used to provide therapeutic effects, particularly for those in the later stages of dementia, with residents being comforted by holding and interacting with them. Chrissie Medway Steele, home manager at Sycamore Hall Care Home, said: “The donations from both groups came as a surprise but a very welcome one. “Both twiddlemuffs and dolls provide great therapeutic benefits for our residents with dementia, helping to improve mood and wellbeing. “A huge thank you to the Mothers’ Union Ripon Group and Comfort Dolls and Twiddles for People With Dementia for making these donations. Sycamore Hall Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information about twiddlemuffs and doll donations and about Sycamore Hall Care Home visit www.hillcare.net.
