To assist our volunteers and to help us become a more dementia friendly church, Tasha took some notes following Paula McCabe\u2019s training session – they are reproduced below:<\/p>\n
What is Dementia Types of Dementia Effects Advice \/ Care \/ How to bring comfort, happiness, safety Ask simple\/concrete questions tactfully but not too many so as not to overwhelm<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/strong> (best in bold)<\/strong>. -Don\u2019t ask too many questions, especially not those asking for more detail<\/p>\n Keep it simple \u2013 one idea at a time e.g.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span> If they are upset, stay with them in the moment, reassure with e.g.<\/em><\/span><\/strong> Distraction can be good<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/em>– Brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen
\n– It can be a slow process to fully manifest \u2013 even as long as 20 years<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/em>– There are two types \u2013 Alzheimer\u2019s & Vascular
\n– The menopause can cause 30% memory loss<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/em><\/span>– Loss of long-term memory \u2013 we usually remember something for 15 minutes unless a \u2018big\u2019 or significant event
\n puts it into our long-term memory
\n– Wandering off
\n– Sequencing tasks are difficult
\n– Language \u2013 can\u2019t find the word for\u2026
\n– Falls \u2013 3D objects can be difficult to visually and physically navigate e.g. patterned carpets can look like undulating waves
\n– Forgetting to eat
\n– Refusing to eat – as brain thinks it has already eaten
\n– Emotional \u2013 easily upset, especially if out of normal routine
\n– Emotions from the past will stay the same \u2013 if they felt comfortable with you in the past, they will trust you and remember
\n this about you<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/em>– When someone can\u2019t remember the word for something, ask them to describe it
\n– Use the care staff as they know the individual<\/p>\n
\n– Where are you from?\u2019
\n– \u2018Would you like to see\u2026\u2019
\n– \u2018Was today a good day?\u2019
\n– \u2018Have you eaten?\u2019
\n– \u2018Have you slept?\u2019
\n– \u2018Would you like to light a candle?\u2019
\n– <\/strong>\u2018Would you like communion?\u2019
\n– <\/strong>\u2018Shall we say a prayer?\u2019 (Prayers can be in the long-term memory)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n– \u2018Let\u2019s look at this<\/strong>, (then we can go and do that)\u2019<\/p>\n
\n– \u2018It\u2019s upsetting, isn\u2019t it?\u2019
\n– \u2018It will be ok\u2019<\/p>\n
\n– Keep an eye on their comfort, they won\u2019t say if they\u2019re cold or tired etc.
\n– Don\u2019t patronise them \u2013 talk to them, not their carer
\n– Be calm, unhurried
\n– Use pictures from the past to \u2018jog old memories\u2019 e.g. old Wallasey \/old Dome\/ previous priests.
\n These can be laminated for extra use and sanitising purposes
\n– Use pictures to help communication \u2013 e.g. have a picture of a toilet and a drink
\n– Noisy crowds can be upsetting \u2013 keep tours to 1 to 2 people
\n– Hold their interest by giving them an object to hold whilst you\u2019re talking about that topic
\n– Watch their body language
\n– Give them ample time to talk
\n– If you don\u2019t understand fully then ask, \u2018Tell me that again, that was really interesting\u2019.
\n– Serve pink wafers, bourbon biscuits and sausage rolls!
\n– Don\u2019t be afraid of distressing them, it comes with the condition, it\u2019s not your fault
\n– This is a great help as many people deteriorate more easily in a nursing home due to losing skills from everyday routine
\n– Laugh together, they need to get a good feeling from you e.g.
\n– \u2018We\u2019re all muddled aren\u2019t we\u2019
\n– Remember, people feel content when they feel safe
\n– Consider music and incense – hearing and smell stay longest before we die
\n– Sensory experiences are great
\n– Time, attention, treats \u2013 can make a huge impact
\n– Safety \/ Comfort
\n– Risk Assess the physical environment
\n– Help them over steps
\n– Cushions on pews
\n– Good lighting
\n– Say where toilet is
\n– Put someone by the door in case of wandering off
\n– Respectfully ask carers re safety \u2013 e.g.
\n– \u2018We think this is safe \u2013 can we ask you what you think for \u2026\u2019
\n– \u2018Can I pop you by the altar for safety?\u2019<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"