Understanding dementia
Navigating the complex world of dementia
“One in 14 people over the age of 65 have dementia, and the condition affects 1 in 6 people over 80. The number of people with dementia is increasing because people are living longer. It is estimated that by 2025, the number of people with dementia in the UK will be more than 1 million.” - NHS
We know that those living with dementia often withdraw from friends, hobbies and group activities as symptoms become more difficult to manage and loneliness can make life harder for the carer too.
We came across this brilliant video online which can help us all better understand the complex world of dementia and discover ways to connect with friends or family affected by it.
About the episode
In today's episode we meet Shirley Pearce, the CEO and founder of Understanding Dementia.
A retired occupational therapist, Shirley's compassion, personal commitment and years of experience have led to the creation of a unique programme that reshapes traditional care approaches by focusing on enhancing the emotional wellbeing of dementia patients.
We discuss the nature of dementia, its devastating effects and the tools offered by Shirley's programme to help for caregivers develop new skills. Shirley's valuable insights extend to real-life scenarios, like managing communication hurdles or finding strange items in the fridge, emphasising the importance of understanding human behaviour when caring for dementia patients.
We also delve into her ABC programme, which is designed to minimise frustration and confusion for people with dementia and their families. This episode is a journey through the often misunderstood landscape of dementia care, filled with hope, compassion, and practical guidance.
Whether you're a family member, healthcare professional, or someone dealing with dementia, you're bound to find this conversation both enlightening and empowering. Join us as we shed light on the complex world of dementia and explore how hope can be found after a diagnosis.
angelawalkerreports.com
https://understandingdementia.co.uk/