Finding the Light in Dementia:: A Guide for Families, Friends and Caregivers

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As well as the above, the platform will provide resources for people living with dementia and their families that will help them to stay connected: this includes our Suitcase of Memories toolkit. Caroline Branney, who manages our Dementia Knowledge Centre, warns against making the proverbial mistake about judging books.

Accredited training available at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Levels via an online platform 24/7, 365 days a year for all staff for one affordable price. Mapped to occupational standards, Good Work, nurse training standards – All staff can access the training, wellbeing hub and additional resources anytime and anywhere to suit their busy lives. Burholt, V., Davies, J., Boyd, M., Mullins, J.M., Shoemark, E.Z. and Centre for Ageing, Dementia Research, Expert Review Group on Continence, Dementia, 2020. A research agenda for promoting continence for people living with dementia in the community: Recommendations based on a critical review and expert‐by‐experience opinion. Journal of Clinical Nursing.

Janet agrees, ‘It is very easy to read, with lots of advice about everyday practicalities such as eating, washing, dressing and safety. Additionally. the author describes ways to keep the person stimulated and still able to enjoy life via music, art, memory books and boxes, and nature.

Use the box(es) to help stimulate and engage your care partner and leave them in key places on your home. Janet feels the book was written with compassion for both the person with dementia and those supporting them. Marilyn Shipp, in Kent, was wary of drawing conclusions too soon about a book that gave her so much to think about. ‘There are so many sensible and helpful pieces of advice and ideas, it all needs time to digest and take on board!’ Chapter 11, Caring for the caregiver, stresses not ignoring the emotional, physical and social upheaval that you are experiencing. The tips about not coping alone and for looking after yourself are clearly described and valuable. I am Jane M. Mullins and I have cared for people living with dementia for 30 years, in memory clinics, care homes, hospital and at home. I have supported care staff in all my roles and created and delivered Personal and Professional Development training for Health and Social Care students. My PhD research- A Suitcase of Memories explored multi sensory ways to help people living with dementia communicate with their loved ones and stay connected. I also work as a Researcher at the Awen Institute, Swansea University.An on-line self-care and wellbeing hub for carers and health and social care staff to help them heal from the stress, grief and bereavement caused by Covid and beyond; Those reading it will find sections on facing the diagnosis, communicating, using life stories to stay connected, creating a calm, safe home, and tips for sleep, eating and drinking. There are chapters too on some of the challenges that can come with dementia: behavioural issues, hallucinations, and the difficult issue of considering outside care. Perhaps the most important chapter is that on caring for the caregiver: so often overlooked. At the end of each chapter is space for notes: practical ways for the carer to note down problems and solutions, as each individual is unique.