The Alzheimer’s Society doesn't call Dementia Friends Information Sessions ‘training’, but there is a lot of misunderstanding. Several health and care professionals have told me that registering with Dementia Friends has made training unnecessary.
Many so-called ‘behaviours that challenge’ may simply be normal responses to challenging situations. The behaviour may not be the real problem, but it may indicate underlying distress. That’s what we should be trying to ‘manage’.
Well-being in dementia is precious and vulnerable, but once we understand the precise nature of the threats posed by dementia, we can learn how promote, protect and restore well-being, even as dementia progresses.
People often ask which activities work best for people with dementia, but it’s not so much what you do, but how you do it that makes the most difference to their well-being.
If a parent with dementia doesn’t recognise you, it doesn’t mean they don’t love you. Pointing out their mistake can make things worse, and there are better ways to show you care.
John’s Campaign (to allow people with dementia to have a family carer with them whenever they need them) was gaining support until Covid-19 put a stop to visiting.
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