Dementia Friendly Communities - Autumn 2019

ISSUE 1 | Autumn 2019

Ferndown Wimborne West Moors Dementia Groups

How to read the signs of dementia A Day in the life of an Admiral Nurse Dementia Friendly Communities

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Welcome

Welcome to the first issue of Dementia Friendly Communities.

Publication Partners:

This quarterly magazine is a joint venture of the Dementia Friendly Towns, Ferndown, Wimborne and West Moors.

Each issue will give reports on local activities and an insight into dementia.

An example in this issue illustrates the allotment provided at Longham for recreational pleasure.

Did you know dementia is now one of the top five underlying causes of death and the number of people living with dementia worldwide today is estimated at 44 million people, set to almost double by 2030.

In England alone, it is estimated that around 676,000 people have dementia 1.

It’s not all bad news. In the next issue the magazine will deal with how one may reduce the risks of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits.

Emma Regan

Douch Family Funeral Directors

Harry Worth

Deputy Mayor / Chair of FDFT

Gina Smith

Fernhill Dementia Care Home (Colten Care)

Liz White

Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community

Lynne Morris

Best regards Harry Worth

West Moors Dementia Action Group

Deputy Mayor of Ferndown/Chair FDFT harryworth@live.co.uk

Contributors: Admiral Nurses Colten Care

Facts provided by NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group 2018

Judy Barnes

Contents

Brian Hallett

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With you on my Mind

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Ferndown Dementia Group

What’s on in Ferndown

Wimborne Dementia Group

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What’s on in Wimborne

West Moors Dementia Group

What’s on in West Moors

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A brief guide to spotting dementia

Oakley Friends

Sensory walks

Important telephone numbers

DESIGN, PRODUCTION AND SALES Production Manager Ben Pulford

ben@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

Lead Designer Louis Pulford

louis@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

Media Sales

Russell Harness

russell@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

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Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town Steering Group David Cameron when he was Prime Minister sent out an edict to all Councils requesting their support of persons with dementia.

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erndown Town Council didn’t respond to the request so a couple of the Councillors decided to form a steering group to change people’s perceptions of dementia.

Notwithstanding that dementia is a disease that can effect anyone at any time, one must remember the person comes first having had the same aspirations as you and I, dementia comes second.

The very minimum requirement of this steering group is to understand what it might be like to live

with dementia and turn that understanding into action by making life a little bit easier, or services a bit more accessible to someone living with dementia.

To assist this requirement it is essential to find out from people with dementia, their carers’ and families about their experiences of living in the community where they feel supported and where improvements can be made. This feedback can help direct the actions of the steering group.

Ferndown Dementia Friendly Steering Group Aims and objectives

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aise awareness and understanding of dementia throughout Ferndown with focus on areas with shops hence people with dementia and those who care for them are encouraged to seek help and are supported by their community. To ensure the community comprehends people with dementia and their carers’ and help to improve their ability to remain independent and have choice and control over their lives. Ensure services are designed around their needs thus providing support that helps to live their life to the full.

Listen to those living with dementia and their carers’ in Ferndown and surrounding areas and seek to improve the environment to help remove barriers and minimise difficulties 4

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faced. This action is to give a sense of belonging and of being a valued part of the community and civic life Support and encourage businesses and organisations in Ferndown to learn what it is like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action and deliver changes as part of their commitment to bring about change thus providing an enabling, supportive environment where they feel valued and understood Share best practice with other communities in Ferndown to encourage wider adoption of the Dementia Friendly Communities program.

Understand a person with dementia can maintain the ability to make personal choice and control or influence

over decisions. Advice so that a person with dementia understands that there is research going on which delivers a better life for them now and hope for the future.

To receive National Dementia Friendly Communities recognition nationaldementiaaction.org.uk

Special thanks must go to the supporters of the steering group including Colten Care (Fernhill care home) A E Jolliffe & Son, Funeral Directors in Ferndown Ferndown Library Daisy Office Supplies St Mary’s Church Prama Care Douch Family Bereavement Group Royal British Legion Club (Ferndown)

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What’s on in Ferndown Ferndown Allotment Gardening Club

Alzheimers Memory Café

Our second growing season at our FDFT allotment.

Now twice the size, we have a raised bed growing area and an additional ground growing space available.

Our lovely summer house where you can sit and relax with cold refreshments and a biscuit or two.

Our Garden Club will be open on the 2nd Thursday of each month - Spring and Summer. 2pm4pm. Seeds, plants and fruit trees to be planted so please do come along and help out.

For further information or to book your place each month please phone Fernhill Dementia Care Home on 01202 651 800.

Alzheimer’s hold a Memory Cafe on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Ferndown Royal British Legion.

1.15pm - 2.45pm.

Tea/Coffee are provided and cake thanks to Colten Care (Fernhill Dementia Care Home).

Memory Cafés provide an opportunity for people with dementia, families and carers to meet with others, ask questions of professionals and learn from the experiences of others.

2nd Thurs of each month from 2pm - 4pm

3rd Weds of each month 1.15pm - 2.45pm

Fernhill Community Choir Held at Fernhill on the 3rd Thursday of each month.

Followed by refreshments.

2.30pm - 3.30pm.

You don’t have to be a good singer - just come along to have a good singalong. It’s good for the soul!

Please contact Liane Watson our Customer Support Advisor for further information.

01202 651800 www.fernhillcarehome.co.uk 3rd Thursday of each month 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Ferndown Royal British Legion Tea Dance The Ferndown RBL host a Tea Dance every Thursday from 2pm - 4pm.

This event is Dementia Friendly therefore suitable for the whole community. Everyone is welcome.

A variety of music is played throughout the session. £3 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased directly from the RBL Ferndown

Fernhill Memory Lane

Fernhill, working with Prama would like to invite you to a ‘Memory Lane Group’ every 2nd Tuesday of the month.

2pm - a session for those supporting loved ones living with dementia.

All very welcome.

Every Thursday from 2pm - 4pm

Held at Fernhill Residential and Nursing Care Home, 122 Ringwood Road, Longham, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9AW.

01202 877706

2nd Tuesday of the month – 2pm

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Eat & Meet Lunch Time Club Royal British Legion Ferndown Club hold an Eat & Meet Lunch & Quiz once a month to encourage people who are on their own for whatever reason (widow, widowers/carers etc) to come together in a friendly atmosphere. Lunch for members will be offered at a reduced rate from only £3 each. This is due to the subsidy of £3 for each member offered by A E Jolliffe & Son. Non members are also very welcome. This takes place on the first Thursday of each month.

To book a place please phone on 01202 877706 or email poppyclub@rblferndown.org.

1st Thursday of each month – 12.30pm

Douch Family Bereavement Group Are you living with bereavement or struggling to move forwards due to a loss?

If so, you are invited to join our support group open to the community who feel they could benefit from meeting others and seeking professional, friendly support.

Cindy Weller is a local resident of Ferndown who will run our monthly support group.

She can also offer one to one counselling if required.

Cindy is a qualified accredited counsellor. A member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a member of the National Counselling Society (NCS).

Being held on the 1st Thursday of each month from 11am - 12.30pm. Plenty of on site parking available.

For more information or to let us know you are coming along please contact 01202 872050 (please note 10 places per session).

Tea/coffee and biscuits are supplied and a listening ear and help when and where needed.

This group has been set up by the Douch Family of which A E Jolliffe & Son are the supporting branch for Ferndown.

1st Thursday of each month - 11am - 12.30pm

Admiral Nurse drop in centre

For anyone in the community who might need support.

Every 2nd Thursday of each month from 2pm to 4pm and every 4th Tuesday of the month from 5pm to 7pm Kay Gibson 07393 149470 Admiral Nurse Fernhill

Ferndown Library Events – all Dementia Friendly Adult Colouring and Craft - 1st Weds of each month. 10am - 11.30am Knit & Natter - 3rd Tuesday of each month 10am - 11.30am Reminisence Group - 3rd Friday of each month.

2.15pm - 3.15pm Coffee Morning - 2nd Tuesday of each month.

10am - 11.30am Dementia Friendly Communities

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Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community

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imborne Dementia Friendly Community (WDFC) was founded in 2013 with the aim of raising awareness of dementia across the town, and to ensure that the voices of people with dementia, their carers and families are heard.

One of the first actions taken by WDFC was to visit every retail outlet in the town with an information pack to help their business become dementia friendly. To date 33 businesses have signed up as dementia friends, and drawn up action plans which include dementia friends awareness-raising sessions for their staff. A WDFC Steering Group member visits any new business opening the town with an information pack.

Local churches in Wimborne have achieved Dementia Friendly Church status. With the help of

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Faithworks Wessex (now with PramaLife), these churches carried out an audit of their buildings so that they could identify areas which would improve access for people with dementia. Their resulting action plans included dementia friends sessions to raise awareness amongst clergy and congregations.

A group of four churches offer Just As I Am dementia friendly church services four times a year.

WDFC supports two flagship projects: firstly the Step Outside gardening group at the Kingston Lacy allotments. WDFC funds an experienced facilitator which enables the group to meet twice monthly. The second major initiative was to raise funds for the purchase of a Magic Table which offers a series of interactive light games for people with mid to late stage dementia. The Magic Table is based at Streets Meadow care home, but managed by PramaLife, and is available for hire by community groups.

What’s on in Wimborne Regular activities STEP OUTSIDE allotment gardening group at Kingston Lacy Kitchen Gardens 1st and 3rd Tuesdays in the month from 2pm.

Voluntary charge of £2 per person. Contact Sarah Rampton on 07884 333117 MEMORY LANE social time, activities, advice and support at The Reef Youth and Community Centre, Colehill Lane, Colehill, Wimborne BH21 7AB. Thursdays from 2pm - 4pm, £2 per session. Contact Bridget Barrett at Pramacare 01202 207300 or 07867354578 FORGET ME NOT CAFÉ respite for carers and activities for those living with dementia at the Salvation Army Hall, Cornmarket, Wimborne Tuesdays 9.30am – 2pm.

Contact Tina Spicer 07925 628006 JUST AS I AM dementia friendly church services with tea and cake at St Michael and All Angel’s Church Colehill Lane, Wimborne BH21 7AB. Quarterly on Sundays at 3pm. Dates and further information from St Michael’s church office 01202 841677 stmparishoffice@gmail.com FUN GAMES GROUP 2ND Thursday of the month 10am – 12noon at Wimborne Library, Eastbrook Row, Wimborne BH21 1ED. Contact Carol Davies at Prama on 07736 133445 STRICTLY COME TEA DANCING 1st Wednesday of the month, 2.30pm at the Allendale Centre Wimborne Dancing to live music provided by the Soggy Biscuit Dance Band, who play Dance Tempo, Ballroom, Latin and 'Oldtime' numbers. Entrance fee: £7.50 per person / £5.00 per person for non-dancers / £2.50 per person for groups of 4+ from lunch clubs or care homes.

LUNCH CLUB at the ALLENDALE monthly on Fridays from 12 noon. Exact dates available from the Allendale Centre, Hanham Road , Wimborne BH21 1AS on 01202 887247. Cost £6.50 (£8.50 for Christmas lunch)

Activities currently suspended, but expected to resume in 2020 MEMORY CAFÉ informal activity group for those with dementia, their carers and family and friends 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in the month 1.30pm - 3pm at the Community Learning and Resource Centre, King Street Wimborne BH21 1EB. MUSEUM MEMORIES monthly reminiscence sessions at Priest House Museum, Wimborne - suspended because of building refurbishment

Carer support OAKLEY FRIENDS a ten week free information course for those caring for someone with dementia, twice yearly starting April and September. Also meetings for friendly support last Wednesday of each month 10.30am – 12noon. Contact Judy Barnes 01202 021705 or Ann Nicoll 01202 690554 oakleycom@oakleyfriends.co.uk WIMBORNE CARERS’ GROUP monthly support group, informal chat over refreshments and regular guest speakers.

Provided by Prama at St John’s Church Hall, Leigh Road Wimborne BH21 1AE. Further information by phoning 07809 224000 or email to carol.davies@pramacare.co.uk

GOLDEN OLDIES FILM CLUB the best of the old classic films, usually the last Thursday in the month starting 1.30pm at the Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne BH21 1AS contact 01202 887247. Tickets £5 which includes tea and cake served at tables.

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West Moors Dementia Action Group

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est Moors began forming an action group in February 2015 with the support of our local Parish Council.

The group is made up of a wide cross section of people from the local community and local businesses.

Our aims include our desire to improve the lives of both people living with dementia (and other forms of memory loss) and their carers, by raising awareness of dementia and working together organising activities, education and ongoing dementia friends sessions.

The dementia friends sessions, which take about 45 minutes, are held locally in a wide variety of locations: our Library, St Mary's Church Hall, in care homes, with various youth groups, on business premises – in fact anywhere where there are people

wanting to have a greater understanding of, and support for, people with memory loss.

As a group we are members of Dementia Action Alliance and continue to work towards making West Moors a Dementia Friendly Village.

More recently we have looked at what might help those who have some form of memory loss to continue to live well and continue to socialise and have fun, which also helps to keep our brains active.

Fresh air, gardening, singing, games, conversation are just some of the things on offer. There are many activities within our community that are dementia friendly and open to ALL. We hope there is something there that you will enjoy. We are also learning as we go and are open to new ideas and suggestions. Hope you find something here that you really enjoy.

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What’s on in West Moors Remembrance Sunday 9th November 2019 - The village come together at the War Memorial at the Petwyn ‘To Remember’. The service of remembrance begins at 10.50am that includes laying of Wreaths. Preceded by a procession of churches, service personnel, uniformed groups, etc. and the band. This is a large village event. *The road is closed by 10.30am Garden Today An intergenerational dementia friendly community gardening group; A fun morning enjoying good company, fresh air, some gardening and refreshments. We meet fortnightly 10.30am – 12 noon at Sturts Farm, West Moors Road (north of the village), West Moors. There is no charge.

Contact: Tessa 012202 873201 to find out more and arrange a visit.

Community Sing-a-long 1st and 3rd Thursday each month 10.30am at St Martins URC, corner of Moorlands Road with Station Road. BH22 0JW. A fun and very enjoyable morning. All are welcome.

Contact: Maggie 07837 691496 ‘Songs of Praise and Joy’ This is a popular event, the next will be on Sunday November 10th at 3pm, at St Martin’s URC, corner of Moorlands Road with Station Road, BH22 0JW. Contact: Chris 01202 873344 Forget-me-not Service Relaxed, friendly, short service held termly at St Mary’s, the Parish Church of West Moors, Station Road (corner of The Avenue), BH22 0JF. The next is Sunday, 17th November, 3 p.m. followed by refreshments in the Hall.

Contact: Revd Lynne 01425 477470 Community Lunch and Friendship Club Weekly on Wednesdays held at St Anthony’s RC, Church Hall, Pinehurst Road (corner Woolslope Rd). 11.15am - 3.30pm. Advanced booking, ample parking, transport also available.

Contact: Sylvia 01202 892902 14

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Carers Group Meets on the first Wednesday of each month, 10am -12pm at The Pavilion, Fryer Field. Open to all Carers of all age groups in West Moors.

Contact: Alison (WM Medical Practice) 01202 865800 to find out more.

Health & Safety: Flu jab If you still haven’t done this, do contact your local doctors surgery before the end of November.

Home Fire and Safety checks 1st Thursday each month at WM Group Practice, (Corner of Farm Road and Station Road). Free professional advice for everyone in the community. Just turn up. No appointment necessary.

Our West Moors Library, on Station Road, have a number of great activities for you to participate in. Do have a look and get in touch if you wish to know more. They include:Memory Box - an exciting reminiscence project held at West Moors Library, run by the Wessex Heritage Trust, monthly on Tuesdays 2.30pm - 3.30pm - various dates (as advertised). The next two are 26th November and 10th December 2019.

Contact the WM Library 01202 873272 to find out more or just turn up.

Knit and Natter every Monday 2pm - 3.30pm. A friendly group enjoying time together knitting and chatting.

Contact the WM Library 01202 873272.

Coffee and Colouring Every 2nd and 4th Thursday morning 10am - 11.30am. A lovely way to relax, enjoy some colouring and a coffee, and meet others.

Contact the WM Library 01202 873272.

Board Games and Puzzles Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 2.30pm - 4pm. A fun afternoon. Do come and join us. Give it a try.

Contact the WM Library 01202 873272.

Concerts: There are a wide variety of charity concerts with choirs and musicians through the autumn and spring. Organised by St Mary’s and held in either the Memorial Hall or St Mary’s Church.

Tickets only £8 each for a great evening out, including refreshments. Everyone in the community is welcome. Look out for details on posters throughout the village.

Coming soon: Saturday 2nd November 2019 7.30pm.

Wessex Vocal Consort – an evening of choral treasures for Remembrance, Hope and Light. Tickets £8 at St Mary’s Church.

Thursday 5th December 2019 7.30pm.

Viva Voce Choir – singing popular Christmas favourites. Tickets £8. at St Mary’s Church.

Contact: Chris 01202 890098 to book tickets or to find out more.

‘Carols on the Petwyn’ – at the heart of The village – an event to sing Christmas carols, hear the Christmas story led by our churches and local school children, and with lots of other fun things to do as well. We might also see Santa! Friday 6th December at 6pm. *The Road is closed for this event.

Songs of Praise by ‘Churches Together West Moors, Ferndown and Horton Heath’ on Sunday 19th January 2020, 4pm at the United Church Ferndown, on Wimborne Road, Ferndown. Hymns pre-chosen by members of the local churches and giving reasons why each hymn means something to them. (a bit like BBC’s Songs of Praise). All are welcome.

Followed with refreshments.

Contact: Angela Almond c/o UCF Office, 01202 871440 for more information.

Christmas Tree Festival: 4th - 7th December, at St Martins URC, corner of Moorlands Road with Station Road, BH22 0JW. Open 11am - 6pm. Daily, except Friday 6th when it is open 11am - 9pm to coincide with the village outdoor ‘Carols on the Petwyn’

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A brief guide on how to read the signs of dementia Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells interfering with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other.

Share or Print this page One of the most common signs especially in the early stages is forgetting recently learned information. Don’t confuse this with typical age-related change, sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

Some people may experience difficulty concentrating and taking much longer to do things and finding it hard to complete daily tasks such as driving to a familiar location, remembering the rules of a favourite game or losing track of dates and the passage of time.

Unfortunately dementia leads to having trouble following or 18

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joining in a conversation and having no idea how to continue or often repeating themselves.

The mood and personalities of people with dementia can change becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious.

They may be easily upset at home or with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

A person with dementia may put things in unusual places, lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing.

This may occur more frequently over time showing changes in judgment or decision making also they may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. A sad reflection of dementia is that they may start to

remove themselves from hobbies, social activities or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby.

If you notice any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, don't ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. With early detection, you can explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help you maintain a level of independence longer.

Next issue will deal with how one may reduce the risks of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits.

This information has been derived from ‘2019 Alzheimer's Society’

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Guest spot

VDFCA The Verwood and Three Legged Cross Dementia friends group continues to thrive. On a monthly basis we hold an exercise class, an information session at the Verwood Library and a woodwork session at Verwood Connect during the months between September and April.

These activities are well attended and enjoyed by people suffering from memory loss and

their carers. We can now even boast a dementia friendly choir and our first public performance will be at Morrisons in Verwood on December 4th.

Churches together in Verwood are now holding dementia friendly services at St Michaels Church to celebrate harvest, Christmas, Easter and the summer. Our first service is to be held on Wednesday October

16th at 10.30am. This will be a short simple service followed by refreshments and a chat and everybody is welcome.

Our steering group meets every couple of months and we are in the process of updating our Safe Havens at our local Care Homes and Verwood Connect.

To find out more about us visit www. vdfca.com Dementia Friendly Communities

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Regular Sensory Memory Walks

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egular Sensory Memory Walks are held at Avon Heath Country Park, all welcome including those with dementia and their carers. Visitors join the rangers for a gentle walk exploring the park's treasures through the senses. Smelling the coconut fragrance of the gorse flowers, listening to the birdsong, seeing the varied fungi, and maybe even tasting the berries.

There are few things more enjoyable than getting outside on a beautiful Spring afternoon or crisp Autumn morning, but such outings are also beneficial for our mental and physical wellbeing, from increased vitamin D intake to stress relief.

Getting outside can be difficult for those living with Dementia but the benefits can be even more significant. Studies indicate that, for people with Alzheimer's, taking regular trips outside can result in significant benefits in their ability to communicate as well as increasing their self-esteem and sociability.

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Ann-Marie Knight, a Colten Companion at Fernhill said after her residents' walk at Avon Heath, "[they] were absolutely delighted by the visit, several of them recalled walks they'd enjoyed in the past, and hobbies like birdwatching...I think we will be talking about [it] for a long time to come."

The next walk at Avon Heath will be in the Spring, please check our Facebook page for regular updates (www. facebook.com/avonheathcountrypark) or call the rangers any day between 10am-4pm on 01425 478082. The walk includes a free hot drink.

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A Day in the life of an Admiral Nurse Colten Care work in partnership with Dementia UK to deliver a team of three Admiral Nurses: Adam Smith who as a Consultant leads the team, Kay Gibson and Tracy Logan. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who support our residents, relatives, people considering a care home and those living with dementia in the community. Admiral Nurses provide emotional, psychological and practical support to families affected by dementia. The support extends to our care 24

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teams in the way of sharing best practice by delivering training and supervision.

Admiral Nurses support families affected by dementia at every stage of their journey.

This can include supporting an individual to obtain a diagnosis right through to end of life care as well as bereavement support for a family. One common theme a family will often discuss with an Admiral Nurse is feelings of loss. This can be at the point of diagnosis or

later in the journey. This can be due to changes in personality, memory, disorientation to their surroundings, or forgetting names or faces of people close to them This can be distressing to relatives that’s why it’s important to spend time reminiscing. This can help trigger memories from the past that make you feel good.

Looking through photo albums, talking about holidays, reading poems and signing old songs can help provoke these memories.

Training for carers Oakley Friends offer support, advice and a warm welcome Oakley Friends is a volunteer group of carers and former carers who have experience of looking after people with dementia.

They offer support to people who are currently looking after someone with the disease, helping them to cope with the difficult tasks ahead of them.

Last year their contribution was recognised with the Civic Award.

Oakley Friends meet on the last Wednesday of each month at the Canford Magna Centre, Oakley Lane, Canford Magna, near Wimborne. Carers are welcome wherever they live.

Meetings start with a friendly get-together followed by discussions, either with a professional speaker or just self-help advice.

Twice a year there is a 10-week training course on offer, covering a wide range of topics, including: • Memory Assessment Service • Medical aspects • Poole Lifeline • Legal matters • Continence problems

Carers certainly feel they benefit from attending the courses.

I cannot thank Oakley Friends enough for their loving support. Its a lifeline for me and the course has been wonderful.

Lovely experience, very friendly and most sessions had a lighthanded element.

For information about future courses contact: Judy Barnes 01202 021705 Ann Nicoll 01202 690554 or email oakleycom@oakleyfriends.co.uk There is no annual membership fee, but a voluntary donation of £10 is gratefully received Dementia Friendly Communities

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Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town allotment

Work began on clearing the allotment during December 2016 and the replacing of a rather dilapidated shed with something rather more suitable.

Money raised to replace the shed with a more suitable summer house was by Ferndown Royal British Legion Club by holding a black tie ball, selling raffle tickets and auctioning the allotment raised beds.

down r of Fern d o y a M e Th te gg officia Cathy Lu d opening an at the gr ber 2017. cto O during

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Some of the attendees at the grand opening

With you on my mind Caring for my wife during the last two years of her life was the toughest thing I ever did.

It started with lapses of memory and lead to a very real concern that she might have Alzheimer’s disease. The eventual diagnosis was Lewy Body Dementia (LBD for short). You may not have heard of LBD; not many people have. It is generally thought to be worse than Alzheimer’s, but accounts for only 5% of dementia cases.

It is particularly tough because the patient, additional to memory problems, can alternate in seconds between being completely normal, and having hallucinations, delusions and intense paranoia. There were times when Jeanne thought she could hear people laughing in the next room; the paranoia convinced her that they were laughing at or about her.

Even worse, she frequently believed I was an imposter, made-up to look like me. She was terrified of that imposter. As her mental state deteriorated, she became increasingly frail until our GP decided that I could no longer care for her at home. Sadly, she died three weeks later in Poole Hospital.

The whole story is in my book ‘With You on My Mind’, written and self-published with carers in mind. At the time there seemed to be very little, in layman’s terms, about caring for this dreadful disease.

If you find yourself a dementia carer, and are feeling out of your depth, this book may help you.

It is available online and from bookshops, but for dementia carers and health professionals (who may also benefit from reading it) it is available free of charge from Dementia Carer Communities.

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Douch Family – Help our communities ‘Live well with Dementia’ The Douch Family are Dementia Friends.

We are committed to ensure our premises and staff are all up to date with the sessions offered to enable us to confidently call ourselves Dementia Friends.

Dementia was voted as our cause of the year 2019. We choose a local charity or cause where we feel we can help raise awareness and funds throughout the year.

8 local groups are benefitting this year from our awareness campaign and fundraising: • Blandford • Broadstone • Corfe Mullen • Ferndown • Poole • Purbeck • Swanage • Wimborne We sit on many of the above Dementia Friends Steering committees and help organise such events as Memory walks, BSO Cake Concerts, Dementia Seminars forming part of Dementia Action Week etc.

Fundraising this year has included donations from our pre plans – Dorset Funeral Plan.

Staff party raffle, Movie Nights, Ferndown 10K run, 26 mile Avon Valley Path walk and a Halloween

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Quiz night!

We urge as many local businesses as possible across Dorset and Nationally to undertake the Dementia awareness sessions. Empower your staff with the knowledge of understanding to help our local residents ‘Live well with Dementia’

To have your cake and hear it Stars from the renowned Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra delighted an audience of those living with dementia who attended with their carers.

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he concert held at St Mary’s Church in Ferndown consisted of three 25 minute parts with refreshments laid on.

It was funded by the Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town (FDFT) which is chaired by the current Ferndown Town Council Deputy Mayor, Harry Worth with local funeral directors AE Jolliffe & Son paying for the refreshments.

And the chef from Colten Care’s Fernhill Dementia Home cooked up a treat by providing all the cakes.

Members of the church and the charity Prama were also involved in putting on this special ‘BSO Cake Concert’.

The trio of musicians were Kate Keats on cello, Eluned Pierce on harp and Owain Bailey playing the flute.

Emma Regan from Douch Family Funeral Directors, which includes AE Jolliffe & Son, said: “We know that music can be extremely beneficial to those living with dementia.

“The BSO members played music from the television and radio that audience members recognised and really enjoyed.

“The seating was arranged around tables so there was plenty of time for people to chat. It was a fantastic event, especially for those with dementia who clearly enjoyed listening.

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Important telephone contacts Help & Support lines www.ageuk.org.uk

Age UK Alzheimer’s Society – Dorset Mind –

0800 678 1174

01202 551660

contact@dorsetmind.uk www.dorsetmind.uk

East Dorset Citizens Advice Help and Care

0344 2451291

eastdorsetca.com

0300 111 3303

contact@helpandcare.org.uk www.helpandcare.org.uk

The Leonardo Trust – Charity No: 1086045

01202 698325

info@leonardotrust.org www.leonardotrust.org

Livewell Dorset Memory Support & Advisory Service National Dementia Helpline

www.alzheimers.org.uk

www.livewelldorset.co.uk 0300 1231916

dorset@alzheimers.org.uk

0300 2221122

Community Contacts East Dorset Good Neighbours Ferndown Community Connectors

01202 834034

Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town – Harry Worth Oakley Friends – Charity No: 1047919 Judy Barnes Ann Nicoll West Moors Carers Group Alison West Moors Dementia Action Group - Lynne Morris West Moors Library Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community

07597 662679

01202 207300 07736 133445 www.fdft.org.uk www.oakleyfriends.co.uk 01202 021705 01202 690554 01202 865800 01425 477470 01202 873272 wimbornedfc@gmail.com

Transport Dial a ride Wimborne West Moors Neighbour Car Wimborne Neighbour Car 30

Dementia Friendly Communities

darwimborne.ismysite.co.uk 07922 125266 01202 849360

ericburton@sky.com

Dementia Friendly Communities

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Dementia Friendly Communities