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January 16th, 2012

Bingo Makes You Think!

The game of Bingo provides a high level of social interaction and is used as an activity in nursing homes, residential homes and day centres to get people together. It is also used in primary schools for word recognition (Seaside Bingo). According to American researchers bingo, using high-contrast  large bingo cards, has boosted playing and thinking skills for people with cognitive difficulties and visual perception problems produced by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).  Read more…. 

Social Care Reform

The cost of Social Care is a real worry for both the person requiring care and their family. It is not always easy to understand and for those with savings, a feeling that the system is unfair.  It would appear that cross-party discussions about overhauling care and support for the elderly and disabled in England will start this week. Hopefully the talks will prove to be fruitful this time and we will see, as has been stated by some of the ministers, plans published for social care reform in the spring. Read more…

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Hospital Care for Patients with Dementia

January 4th, 2012

Just before Christmas the news highlighted a report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, which identified the variations of dementia care and understanding in hospitals throughout the U.K. and the consequences of such disparity.

You will be pleased to know that many Hospitals have begun work to address problems and have submitted action plans detailing key points for improvement, including:

  • Awareness training for staff 
  • Identifying Dementia Champions
  • Development or review of the care pathway
  • Improving involvement of carers

Read in more detail the report …or press release …

All good wishes for 2012 and to get you off to a good start there are some interesting training course being run by the Positive Caring Programme:

Positive Caring is a free programme of 7 sessions for people who care for a relative, friend or neighbour. Weekly programmes are being run in the following areas:

Wednesday 18th January 10.30am - 1pm at Hesters Way Community Resource Centre, Cassin Drive, Cheltenham, GL51 7SU. 

Tuesday 24th January 10am - 12.30pm at St Roses School, Stroud. 

Thursday 16th February 1.30pm – 4.00pm at Winchcombe Medical Centre, Greet Road, Winchcombe, GL54 5GZ.

Topics include:

  • health and well-being
  • how to access services
  • emotions and stress
  • practicalities of caring
  • finance and resources
  • how we juggle caring with other demands

Please contact Chris Cam on 01452 500885/ 426254 to find out more or book a place. Help is available for replacement care and transport.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis  – Details by the Alzheimer’s Society

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on dementia is a cross party group of MPs with an interest in dementia. It is currently chaired by Baroness Sally Greengross.

The APPG has launched its next inquiry which will focus on improving dementia diagnosis rates across the UK. Currently we know only 43 per cent of people in the UK living with dementia ever receive a formal diagnosis. This varies greatly across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, but overall we know little progress has been made towards improving diagnosis rates over the last few years.

An inquiry into this area will bring together more evidence and understanding about the current problems there are to improving diagnosis of dementia. It will also find good practice examples where services have been helpful to people with dementia getting an early diagnosis, and ensuring they have proper information and support afterwards, so that these examples can be shared.

Your evidence

In this work the APPG on Dementia is seeking evidence from people with dementia and their carers, health and social care providers and practitioners, and key stakeholder organisations and professional bodies.

You can share your views by visiting our online questionnaire appropriate for you or your organisation.

Alternatively you can email your evidence to appg@alzheimers.org.uk or post it to:

APPG Evidence
Sarah Tilsed
Alzheimer’s Society
Devon House
58 St Katharine’s Way
London
E1W 1LB

Please help, fill out the form, your views and ideas matter and may help to make a difference.

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Christmas & New Year

December 19th, 2011

Christmas Hints and Tips

Christmas and New Year, although a time to be with family and friends and have fun for many carers this can add additional pressure. Too often we can all rush around buying, making things that don’t really matter, to help reduce the worry here are a few tips:

  • If family and friends are coming, make life a little easier don’t make cakes and mince pies buy them. Get the super market to deliver!
  • Let the family know you are keeping things simple and if they offer to bring food accept it, make suggestions of what you need so you don’t end up with tons of sausage rolls.
  • If they offer help so you can do shopping or help on the day – accept it!
  • If family and friends don’t offer help – don’t be afraid to ask for it
  • When you are asked what you would like for a present, suggest things that you would find helpful:  sitting for a couple of hours with the person you care for, gardening, cooking a meal, decorating or even some equipment that would make life easier. 
  • In the New Year make a resolution to make your role as a carer easier, there are several support groups – Carers Gloucestershire always has a selection of events taking place as well as the opportunity to talk to professionals and other carers. Try one of the Positive Caring Programme training sessions or you may find the Managing Memory programme offered by the 2gether Mental Health Partnership Trust helpful.

Carers Gloucestershire – 01452 386283

Positive Caring Programme – 01452 500885

Managing Memory 2gether – 01452 894214

Events

‘Gloucester Cathedral Carol Concert’

An evening of Christmas carols and readings with music from local school choirs, the Cathedral’s Junior Choir and Ecclesiastical’s Staff Choir.

Wednesday 21 December 2011, 7.30pm,Doors open at 7pm

Tickets are available from: Gloucester Cathedral Shop in person or call Carers Gloucestershire on 01452 386283.

Ticket Prices: £4 Adults; £2 Concessions (under 16s & senior citizens)

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Memory Cafés

December 5th, 2011

The Tewkesbury Memory Café

The idea of Memory Cafés is to offer an informal setting for those affected by memory problems and their carers to access support and information. They provide the opportunity for carers to exchange experiences and information as well as receiving practical information and emotional support. The cafes are run by trained volunteers with the support of health professionals, and usually meet monthly for a couple of hours although some meet fortnightly.

Instigated by Wendy Jones from Guideposts Charity Shop in Tewkesbury, on Wednesday 30 November, I attended the Memory Café at the Tewkesbury Day Centre in Station Road to give a talk about Dementia web Gloucestershire. I was given a tour of the Day Centre whilst people for the Memory Café were still arriving – the place is just stunning. The centre is a single storey building, wheelchair accessible with a variety of rooms for different activities including an adapted kitchen. The arts and craft room was very busy with Christmas cards and advent calendars being made. In the corridor the most amazing pictures have been created out of old computer parts by service users and there is a room with a multitude of hats which are used for role play to stimulate past memories whilst having fun. The kitchen is well used and again service users are encouraged to take part in baking and making a favourite dish.

The atmosphere at the Memory Café was so warm and welcoming, with tea, cake and mince pies being served. When it was time to give my talk, I was given such a lovely introduction to the group, everyone was interested in Dementia web Gloucestershire and many took leaflets so they had the web site address and could have a look at the site when they got home.  When I took my leave I was asked to pop back and see them again whenever I am passing. I very much hope that I can do that in the near future and have suggested that when the next workshop takes place at Guideposts Charity Shop in Tewkesbury perhaps they would all like to come and visit the shop and take part in the day.

It really is a fabulous place; they meet on the last Wednesday of every month between 2:00pm and 4:00pm and you can be sure they will give you a wonderful welcome as a guest or volunteer. For further information contact: Janet Worrad on 01684 296238.

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Research

November 29th, 2011

Deep Brain Stimulation may help reverse Alzheimer’s Brain Damage.

BRAIN shrinkage in people with Alzheimer’s disease can be reversed in some cases – by jolting the degenerating tissue with electrical impulses. Moreover, doing so reduces the cognitive decline associated with the disease. According to research carried out by  Andres Lozano and his team.

“In Alzheimer’s disease it is known that the brain shrinks, particularly the hippocampus,” says Andres Lozano at Toronto Western Hospital in Ontario, Canada. What’s more, brain scans show that the temporal lobe, which contains the hippocampus, and another region called the posterior cingulate use less glucose than normal, suggesting they have shut down. Both regions play an important role in memory. Read more….

Correlation between lower body mass index (BMI) and Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Studies have shown that people who are overweight in middle age are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease decades later than people at normal weight, yet researchers have also found that people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI). A current study examines this relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and BMI. Read more….

Events

10am at The Promenade, Cheltenham 29 November – 4 December

Cheltenham Christmas Market is back, with the 2011… More

Christmas Exhibition at Martin’s Gallery

11am at Martin’s Gallery

 Art lovers are in for a festive treat, as established Cheltenham venue Martin’s Gallery hosts a special Christmas Exhibition… More

martinsgallery.co.uk | (01242) 526044

A Very Victorian Christmas at Gloucester Folk Museum

1st – 31st December

10am at Gloucester Folk Museum  

A wishing tree, craft activities, candle-lit tours, carols and much more await visitors to the Victorian-themed Gloucester… More

gloucester.gov.uk/folkmuseum | (01452) 396868

 

Tetbury Festive Evening  Thursday 1 December

6pm at The Market Hall, Tetbury

Tetbury’s Christmas lights will be switched… More

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The Importance of Early Diagnosis

November 21st, 2011

High blood pressure increases risk of cognitive decline

Published 7 November 2011

Around 30% of people in England have high blood pressure but many don’t know it. If left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke and from recent research and details published by the Alzheimer’s Society it can also increase the risk of dementia and therefore it is important that high blood pressure is treated early.

Vascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and signs of heart disease, increase your chance of developing cognitive problems according to a study published in Neurology on 7 November.

Since 2003 researchers in the United States have been following more than 30,000 people aged 45 and older to track their risk of stroke and monitor their cognitive health.

Existing evidence shows that stroke increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. However, this study reveals that people who have not experienced a stroke are still at increased risk if they have vascular risk factors. Read more….

Events

If you enjoy a pantomime then why not come along to Robin Hood the Panto in Tetbury – there are lots of songs to join in with!  A brilliantly funny show full of laughter and singing and to make the show that extra bit special, Cirencester Creative Dance Academy in the most incredible costumes, provide some amazing dance routines. Come and join us in Sherwood Forest more commonly known as:
 
Venue -        The Dolphins Hall, New Church Street, Tetbury.
 
Date’s -         Wednesday 23 November 7.30pm
                        Thursday 24 November 7.30pm
                        Friday 25 November 7.30pm
                        Saturday 26 November – Matinee 2.30pm Evening 7.30pm
 
Cost –              Concessions £5.00
                        Adults £9.00

For accessibility on foot or with a wheelchair contact Annette Farrow 01666 502900.

Tuesday 29th November 2011

Singing for the Brain

Run by Alzheimer’s Society at Stonehouse Community Centre  2 – 3.30pm

For further information please contact Alzheimer’s Society on 01453 791830 or email graham.darley@alzheimers.org.uk

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Respect and Care for Carers

November 14th, 2011

Joint Board/Governor Event

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and 2gether NHS Foundation Trust

This took place on Thursday 3 November at Redwood Education Centre, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (GRH). The concept of the meeting was to encourage a stronger working relationship between the two Trusts and to ensure better conditions for carers when a loved one is admitted to hospital.

The evening started with tea/coffee in the refectory and the opportunity to peruse the display stands provided by Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Gloucestershire Young Carers, Carers Gloucestershire, Dementia web Gloucestershire and Managing Memory 2gether. 

This was followed by an introduction by Rennie Fritchie, talks by two carers on their experiences at GRH, one positive and one negative and carer’s stories from GHT Carer, Robina Sabourin (2gether), Mandy Bell (Glos Young Carers), and Louise de Lloyd (Carers Glos). The evening continued with a ‘ Break out session’, consisting of 4 groups to discuss the gaps in our services for carers? And how can the two Trusts work more closely together for the benefit of carers? The key points from each group were presented and how things could be moved forward to ensure that carers are respected and well looked after when attending their loved one in hospital. The event was interesting, enlightening and if the suggestions made can be carried out over a period of time, extremely positive.

Mood, Cognition and Sleep Patterns Improve in Alzheimer’s Patients After Cataract Surgery, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (Oct. 25, 2011) — Researchers at Tenon Hospital, Paris, France, found that patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease whose vision improved after cataract surgery also showed improvement in cognitive ability, mood, sleep patterns and other behaviors. Lead researcher Brigitte Girard, MD, will discuss her team’s results at the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s 2011 Annual Meeting read more….

Events

The Alzheimer’s Society run a number of regular events, these are just a small selection:

Musical memories (Tea Dance)

Forest Church School Rooms, Harrow Hill, Dry Brook. 2pm – 4pm. They are always on the second Friday of every month, the next one will be Friday 9 December.

Cinderford Support Group

St Annals House, The Belle Vue Centre, Belle Vue Road, Cinderford GL14 2AB. 10.30 am – 12.30pm. Once a month, the next meeting is Thursday 24 November.

Hanover Court Memory Group.

Bilson Close, Valley Road, Cinderford, G14 2LQ. 3pm – 4.30pm. The group meet once a month on a Thursday, the next meeting is Thursday 8 December.

If you would like to know more about these groups, contact Viv Shorney on 01452 525222 or on her mobile 07889604401.

Another group that meet on a monthly basis is:

Newent Memory Cafe

St Mary’s Church Hall, Newent, GL18 1AB. 10am – 11.30am. The next meeting is Friday 2 December. Call Viv Shorney for details on 01452 525222.

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Community Dementia Nurses

November 8th, 2011

New Community Dementia Nurse Service

A Community Dementia Nurse Service was launched on Monday 7th November 2011.  The aim of the service is to provide support to primary care practitioners in the diagnosis, management and treatment of Dementia. 

Each surgery in Gloucestershire will be allocated a Community Dementia Nurse. The work of the Community Dementia Nurses focuses around three key areas: 

  • Advice and support with diagnosis
  • Advice and support in the management and treatment of Dementia
  • Time Limited Interventions– short term intensive treatment plans to address immediate care needs. 

Our Community Dementia Nurses will also act as a resource to GP surgeries to provide information on signs, symptoms and management of Dementia as well as access to further education and training related to Dementia. They will also routinely monitor those on Dementia medicines.

 This service can be accessed through

 1. The patients or carers GP

 2. Managing Memory ²gether Information and Education Service

A service for the general public that offers information about memory assessment and or support/advice services for people worried about memory, people with Dementia and their carers. Group information sessions are also available.

Telephone: 0800 694 8800

Email: managingmemory@glos.nhs.uk

 3. Dementia Adviser Service

This service is provided in Gloucestershire by the Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia Advisers will provide information and support to people with dementia and their family from diagnosis onwards.

Telephone: 01452 525222

Email: gloucestershire@alzheimers.org.uk

If you require any further information about the Community Dementia Nurse Service

or Managing Memory 2gether, please telephone 0800 694 8800 or visit http://www.2gether.nhs.uk/managing-memory-2gether.

If you would like some training, which is free, and is dementia specific do contact Managing Memory ²gether 0800 694 8800. They have the training sessions in a variety of places so there is sure to be something close to you. There are still some dates in November and they will have a new rota out soon. http://www.2gether.nhs.uk/files/Autumn%202011%20sessions%20Cheltenham,%20Gloucester,%20Stroud.pdf

These sessions cover a range of topics relating to memory loss and dementia and enable people to meet and talk confidentially with others in a similar situation

Help is available to cover travel and care costs.

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October 31st, 2011

Training

Positive Caring Programme.

Positive Caring is a free programme of 7 sessions for people who care for a relative, friend or neighbour in Gloucester. The weekly sessions give you the opportunity to meet with other carers, gain and share knowledge and information.

 Topics include:

  • health and well-being
  • how to access services
  • emotions and stress
  • practicalities of caring
  • finance and resources
  • how we juggle caring with other demands

These sessions will run every Wednesday starting from 23 November, 2 – 4pm at St Oswalds Extra Care Village, Gloucester. Help is available for replacement care and transport.

If you are interested please contact Chris Cam on 01452 500885/ 426254 as soon as possible to find out more or book a place.

Singing for the Brain

These sessions really are very beneficial both to the carer and the loved one being cared for. They provide the opportunity to socialize as well as being an excellent form of stimulation. The next two sessions are:

Tuesday 1st November 2011 and Tuesday 15th October 2011

They are run by qualified staff from the Alzheimer’s Society and take place from 2.00pm – 3.30pm at Stonehouse Community Centre. For further information please contact Alzheimer’s Society on 01453 791830 or email graham.darley@alzheimers.org.uk

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Dementia web Workshop

October 25th, 2011

This is the first Dementia web Awareness Day and it is taking place at Guideposts Trust Charity Shop in Tewkesbury. The Manager – Wendy Jones has many customers who are involved in some way with dementia and felt that local people (and those further afield in Gloucestershire) would benefit by being given the opportunity to access the website, given help on navigating the site and discussing relevant issues.

If you are a carer of someone who has dementia, come along to our Dementia web Awareness Day

A special workshop day to help you navigate around Dementia web Gloucestershire, get information you need, meet with like-minded people, plus the opportunity to browse around the shop and enjoy tea and cake.

  Wednesday 2 November

       11.00am –3.00pm

AT:  Guideposts Trust Charity Shop

33 High Street

Tewkesbury

GL20 5BB

Book your place now by calling:  Wendy Jones on 01684 292030

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