MU Meeting 19th Feb 2025
This month as part of our theme ‘Listening to others’, Dorothy Davidson came to talk to us about Dementia explaining how this was important when working with people with Dementia.
So, through a game of Bingo, we learnt what Dementia is – it is a disease of the brain; Alzheimer’s Disease is a particular form of Dementia but there are other different forms of Dementia. It is a progressive condition and not just involving losing memory; it can affect mobility, balance, speech and communication, awareness of night and day, distancing and sequencing motor skills. It can affect people’s perception, for example shiny floors, black mats, patterned carpets and tablecloths can all appear as water, black holes, snakes – all very scary!
This topic led to lots of discussion about how we could help people with Dementia – mainly by listening and having lots of patience! As an illustration, Dorothy asked us to write down the steps to making a cup of tea – this ranged from 9 to 20+. Something to think about!
There are many opportunities for Dementia sufferers in our village, which is hopefully a friendly place for all people. These include the Memory Café at the Methodist Church on 1st and 3rd Tuesday mornings (the alternate Tuesdays are Tuesday Clubs for people living alone who need company), Thursday morning coffee at St Luke’s Church Hall, and several singing groups including one at the Methodist Church and the U3A and St Luke’s Community Choir groups meeting in St Luke’s Church Hall. All of these are open for anyone to attend.
On April 5th at 3pm at the Methodist Church, Wendy Nugent will hold a concert in aid of Alzheimer’s Disease – it would be lovely if some of us could attend.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 19th March at 2pm in St Luke’s Church hall, and will be our AGM – but of course there will be scones and cakes to keep us going!
If you need any more information, please ring me (07942 900292 or HC 533882), or Dorothy (HC 533704).