Madeira Lodge care home hosted an Understanding Dementia Workshop aimed at families and friends of residents.
We held an Understanding Dementia Workshop recently at Madeira Lodge care home. It was specifically designed for families and friends of the residents to help them understand the different types of dementia and its impact on individuals and their families.
The workshop aimed to provide attendees with practical strategies to manage the condition effectively.
Led by experienced dementia care professionals from the Alzheimer’s Society, they used various resources such as videos, handouts, and interactive activities to engage attendees and facilitate learning. The topics covered included the different types of dementia, the stages of the condition, signs and symptoms, and available treatments and therapies. The workshop also addressed common behavioural and communication challenges.
Our aim was to help people understand Dementia better but also relate through shared experiences. Dementia is different for every individual who experiences it; however, it can be broken down in to three stages:
Sometimes these are called mild, moderate and severe, it is these stages and how they may affect an individual where developing a greater understanding can be really helpful for families and friends.
For many they might notice a loved one experience some memory problems, or have difficulty with language, and even trouble with tasks that require planning and organisation. This type of behaviour doesn’t present a large risk, but it could provide an insight that more difficulties with daily life could escalate.
Moderate dementia is more likely to be visible in significant memory loss, difficulty in communicating, and may need assistance with daily activities. Often most family members notice personality and behavioural changes at this stage which is usually the catalyst to start looking for care and support from outside sources.
Severe dementia can see individuals lose their ability to communicate, someone at this stage is likely to be completely dependent on others for all activities of daily living. By way of example, someone at this stage of dementia may have difficulty swallowing, this will be visible in weight loss. This stage requires 24-hour care, offered by a specialist dementia care provider such as Madeira Lodge care home.
Looking at the different stages, treatments on offer, and care options, attendees appreciated the value of the information, resources, and support provided by Madeira Lodge Care Home. It was an opportunity for families to connect with others in a safe and supportive space with other going through a similar experience.
Dementia is a challenging condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Initiatives like the Understanding Dementia Workshop are essential in supporting families and friends to navigate the difficulties of the condition and maintain a positive relationship with their loved ones. We are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our residents and their families but also helping people learn from each other’s experiences and concerns.
Supporting Families and Friends in navigating dementia doesn’t just sit in isolation in one workshop, we are here to call on and speak to about any aspect of dementia care.
Whether you are now in the position of planning for care, or have a relative receiving dementia care, if you have need for a knowledgeable team or a helping hand feel free to contact us.
