Jennifer's profile

It is very confusing but often the person introducing themselves and using a cheerful voice explaining everything if necessary again and again and more hand gestures helps Engaging with each resident in some past familiar way reminding them of familiar patterns but it is always the feelings that are conveyed that are most important

A difficult one as everyone is so very different and everyones journey can be very different .... 2 completely different suggestions here The second is more possible There is already a great deal out there already but as always it is accessing the information that so many find so difficult and confusing

Excellent idea even the very young could feel they were really contributing. My grandchildren FaceTimed me by themselves when they were 2 !

This is a common problem and everyone is different. Acceptance of their distress understanding their feelings and constant reassurance is needed. Some have been helped by likening it to the war Not a lockdown but a blackout equivalent. Then of course there is always a reason it is suggested he wants to see people. Could the people dropping things off also tap on the window and smile. Which people does he want to see? Photos .. memories ..What to they bring to his life that is missing at the moment? Or does the restriction itself bring back memories of other past restrictions and what feelings are produced by that. Is it related to a particular time of day? Would music songs from the past help? What support is the carer getting We mirror emotions...

Oh so true ... How do we get places that have WiFi and iPads provided by HQ etc to use them?! And also to move into the 21st century? Some excellent suggestions in the comments about using voice activated recording of information during the day. The NHS has taken innumerable years to get to where it is today with all this kind of stuff and central spine of knowledge shared between services. I think it has ot comfort above The Managers need to be 'inspired' They need to inspire their staff their workers and to understand how much better the lives of those living with dementia and other conditions could-be

Anything that can help in this direction is to be encouraged. In my experience a great deal is already being done in relation to this and there are many dementia support zoom meetings every day mostly international ones.
I know the Alzheimers Society ran a local project helping those living with dementia to use iPads that had been especially set up to be easy to navigate and it was a great success.
In the dementia inclusive village were I live they are making a special effort and have just been provided with 10 more iPads to the community and also providing training for any who would like to take up the opportunity.
I have been able to encourage a few residents to do Skype and we chat as we are in lockdown. I do not do phones so this form communication is so important.In fact just today and my second Skype call with a 92 years old here!

So sorry Mark that is really tough. Sadly denial is quite common but its usually fear. Some might be able to say a bit about what they fear about the future though (without the mention of dementia)
I have the privilege of not only having dementia but now living in a dementia inclusive village. When I arrived 8 years ago I cannot remember anyone much else owning up to the fact they had dementia but now many have joined me in the ranks of those who think a lot can still be done. We all stay here until we die so I have opportunity to walk the path with many at all stages. I love visiting those in the advanced dementia unit and 'finding ' them. Do you know my website? www.gloriousopportunity.org ? I also have a book...

I believe these skills can be relearnt or re-emerge. Those able to make or receive phone calls can still talk. I have been surprised here in my dementia inclusive village how much those living with dementia talk to themselves ! When walking around by themselves or in their rooms as if giving a running commentary. This of course is not the same as having a conversation. I know there are 'robot' parrots that will have an interactive conversation with their 'owner' which are a great joy to some. Even joining in a sing a long would be good..... I have an Alexa and you can talk to her or sing with her !! OK I know it is not the same but anything that can help is to be embraced in these difficult times

So sorry about this and also your husband having to pay for a hotel I thought there were hotels who were giving up their rooms for essential NHS workers at a very markedly reduced rate if not almost free.
You definitely are not forgotten Diana. Even the authorities are struggling and doing their best

I wrote a reply but it seems to have disappeared !
I think I said something like.
So glad you are in a lovely setting and have meals delivered every day and are able to be with her as so often people really are in complete isolation. Perhaps you you use her PC to find support groups on line for her or for you even photos from the past Music singing and seeing familiar faces are so important.
There are also many on line or telephone support groups for yourself either the Alzheimer's Society or the Admiral Nurses. In some areas there are volunteers who could come and smile through the widow or a local church but it sounds as if much of your area was holiday lets?

There are so many online zoom groups to support people with dementia and so many activities as well even singing together on zoom ! The Alz Soc have regular groups and Dementia Mentors have daily groups as well at different times