Appearance matters – even, and especially, in later stage dementia

Appearance, and the fact that it still matters even in later stage dementia is rarely discussed in dementia care. There is little research on this important subject, yet it can have a great effect on both the person living with dementia as well as their carer/supporter.

Consider how you feel when someone says to you “you’re looking lovely today”. It is the same for a person with dementia and that greeting will be reflected leaving both care giver and receiver feeling better. 

What is the link between Nuns’ Bathing Habits and Dignity for people in the later stages of Dementia?

Barbara shares how the bathing habits of nuns was the inspiration for designing theNeverNaked™ system to help her Mum retain her dignity whilst being helped to shower.

A-dressing dementia – how clothing can turn into conversations with loved ones living with dementia

...clothing also helped maintain connection and communication by becoming a topic we could use for conversation...

...most people have experienced the “you look lovely today” moment, or “I like the colour of your shirt”, i.e. a response to something we have worn.

Drumming up memories

...out of the blue, he picked up a set of claves and started playing them on a drum.......... He carried on, and to the total amazement of everyone there, he then started playing the most amazing paradiddles. ................. We had obviously tapped into a memory

Introducing the Drapron® on live radio - A first for me (Listen before 18th November!)

Barbara talks of her first experience on live radio talking about the Drapons® she designed to maintain the dignity of people living with dementia. Chatting with Nish & Gilly from Radio Lancashire at the Fylde Coast Dementia Hub

Empowered conversations 2nd and 3rd movements

Practical approaches to staying connected with people with dementia through music.“I felt empowered. My mum and I had a lovely moment, we connected, we laughed, I felt less stressed and able to carry on”These are the words of one carer of a mum with dementia at the start of week…

Musically Empowered Conversations - week 1

Practical approaches to staying connected through music.I am really excited to be part of the musical sequel to the Empowered Conversations course run by six Degrees Social Enterprise.Empowered Conversations is an approach to communication in dementia care that is designed to help people living with dementia and their carers to:Find ways…

The benefits of superfine merino wool garments for people in late stage dementia

As the dementia progresses, often, it becomes more difficult for the person with dementia to express their needs and discomforts. They may, for instance, be unable to tell you if they are too hot or cold or if a fabric is itchy. Merino wool has natural properties that mean the…

How sheep helped us avoid our mother getting pressure sores

Pressure sores can become a real risk when someone with dementia starts to spend a lot of time in bed. As our mother's dementia progressed she was certainly spending more and more time in bed and the risk of pressure sores became very real.Pressure sores can be very painful and can…

Poems about 'Things I forgot' from Little Leigh Women's Institute

After I had given a talk on Dignity in Dementia to the Vale Royal Group Women’s Institute meeting in March 2016, I was invited to talk again at a smaller meeting of Ladies at the Little Leigh branch this week. 3rd May 2017 – They book a long way in…