Praise for dementia awareness event at Laverstock Care Centre
21st February 2017
Laverstock Care Centre in Salisbury has been praised for sharing knowledge of dementia with the community through two special events held at the care home this month.The care centre, run by Caring Homes in London Road, Salisbury, welcomed members of the public to the free dementia awareness sessions which explored what dementia is, how it is diagnosed, and the effects it can have on friends and family.Two sessions took place, one aimed at family members of those living with dementia and the other at local businesses and organisations.The event aimed to give participants an in-depth understanding about, and empathy for, the psychological needs of a person with dementia and is based on Caring Homes' in-house dementia training programme, Living in My World, which has just won a prestigious Princess Royal Training Award.There were hints and tips to improve communication and a practical session to understand some of the day-to-day frustrations that affect a person living with dementia.Those attending the event included representatives from Wiltshire Council, Dementia Action Alliance, local funeral directors and solicitors.One attendee said:
“Practical stepping into the world of someone with dementia was extremely useful – a very powerful way of making the point about what it is like for someone suffering from dementia. Lots of useful facts and tips as to how to deal with someone with dementia to make life easier for them.”Another added:
“The event was so enlightening and very helpful to me in the care of my relative. I now have a greater understanding of dementia and the different types. It was a real eye opener putting on the glasses, gloves, etc to experience the world of dementia. I will be much more empathetic. An excellent event.”Caring Homes' Dementia Training Lead Michele Saunders, said:
“We were delighted at the interest shown in finding out about dementia by the community in Salisbury. These events enable participants to learn about dementia and help them to challenge the way people think, act and talk about the condition."We want to actively promote a dementia friendly community through sharing our knowledge and expertise. The sessions at Laverstock Care Centre increase awareness of dementia and help people understand what life is like for those living with the condition.”Laverstock Care Centre is a Caring Homes Group care home, providing specialist residential, nursing and dementia care in Wiltshire, for up to 80 people.To find out more about Laverstock Care Centre and the events we hold at our home, please contact us on 0808 223 5520 or email [email protected].
Background information about dementia
- Dementia is an umbrella term that refers to lots of different types of conditions
- There are more than 200 different forms of dementia; the four most common are Alzheimer’s Disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy Bodies, Frontotemporal dementia
- One in 14 people aged 65 and over have dementia*
- Many people with dementia dislike the term ‘dementia residents’ as it implies that they are nothing more than this.
- Please avoid using the word sufferer or victim in relation to dementia. It is preferable to use ‘person with dementia’ ‘person living with dementia’ or ‘person living well with dementia’.