DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK (4-10 JULY 2010)

This week is Dementia Awareness Week, taking place across England and Wales.

We are calling on people to think about someone they know who lives with dementia, and try to do little things to make their lives easier.

Following the success of our campaign during Carers Week, Hope for Home is once again asking people to Knock on a Neighbours’ Door. 

Even if it’s just popping round for a cup of tea, it’s always nice for people living with dementia to know you’re there. It’s good for them and their families to feel that someone cares, even if they’re not ready for help yet. 

Carolyn Watkins, from Blackheath, spotted our campaign and decided to take action. She called on her neighbour Ruth. 

Ruth cares for her husband Tony, a retired mechanical engineer and former rugby player, who has dementia. The couple have been married for 40 years. They and Carolyn attended the same school together. 

“Ruth was extremely pleased I called on her and I stayed for a coffee and a long chat,” Carolyn told Hope for Home. “I offered to do shopping for her or to sit with Tony while she went out, and I made sure she had my phone number.”

Carolyn is pleased she offered assistance. “I felt very glad that I knocked on her door. I hope Ruth will feel she can count on me and I aim to call again sometime soon and repeat the offer,” she said.

Zena Schofield is another Blackheath resident who took up the Hope for Home challenge. She called on Peter, who lives nearby with his wife Christine, who has dementia.  

“I’ve made Peter and Christine aware of Hope for Home, and it’ll be good to get to know them.” said Zena. “I chatted to Christine, invited them round for a coffee and maybe I can help them out in some little way.” 

Throughout Dementia Awareness Week, charities across the UK are encouraging people to Remember The Person. The message is one that is central to the Hope for Home ethos – encouraging people to focus on the individual, not their dementia.

Dementia Awareness Week was started by the Alzheimer’s Society. For more information, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/remembertheperson . The site has some great tips about helping people with dementia. Just download the excellent Dementia Awareness Week booklet.

We would add a couple more tips. Be yourself, and be calm, friendly and open. And also: spread the word about the help available from Hope for Home!