Innovative ways to help people with dementia

Published on
17 September 2020

A Cumbrian group has been developing innovative ways to help people with dementia and their carers during the Covid pandemic.

The lockdown and shielding guidance meant that Dignity in Dementia had to stop a lot of its projects such as singing and dancing groups, but it has found new ways to help people including a behaviour support helpline, walking sessions and video calls.

Director and co-founder Lesley Gill says that the pandemic has deprived a lot of people with dementia, inclcuding conditions such as Alzheimer’s, of the chance to socialise at local groups which has led to problems at home.

“We had to stop an awful lot of what we did previously which included all our dementia embracing community groups such as singing, dancing and reading. It was the same in communities around Cumbria where people had been used to going out and doing things which suddenly came to an end.

“People with dementia struggle to understand the changes to their routine which was especially difficult if they were used to being active outside of the home. A great many were unable to voice their frustration and so it showed in their behaviour. Some carers told us that it was getting really difficult,” she said.

So the social enterprise set up a behaviour support helpline which allowed carers to call for advice and share the problems. Diane Smillie, director and co-founder, says that the difficulties raised can be quite complex. She recently had a call from a man whose wife didn’t recognise him and so he asked for advice on how to deal with it. Diane says that sometimes just having someone listen is a huge help.

Dignity in Dementia has now developed the service and also has a free downloadable activity guide available on its website. Lesley said: “When people with dementia become bored, they can become frustrated which can then lead to problematic behaviours including aggression. Therefore we work very hard to help carers understand the importance of keeping them occupied and feeling valued and useful.”

As well as getting it’s South Lakes Dementia Friendly walking group going again, Dignity in Dementia has also been able to begin one to one walking sessions to take people out on a stroll and give their carers a break.

Lesley said: “We have a lovely time with our walking service which always involves a risk assessment first. Recently I have been with somebody up to Kendal Castle and this week I will taking a new person into the deer park in Milnthorpe. Getting into green spaces is important, but people are also happy just to get out of the house.

“I went for a walk with one chap who had been in the RAF running a dog display team. We spent the whole time talking about dogs and he loved meeting dogs on the walk so we had some really lovely conversations.”

Dignity in Dementia is also working with Age Concern Barrow to provide people with ipads so that staff and volunteers can have half hour chats with them online via a video call. The social enterprise is hoping to expand the service through some of the money it is receiving as part of its support package from the Cumberland Building Society.

Becky Towns, CSR and communications executive with The Cumberland, said: “Lockdown and the restrictions on seeing friends and family during the pandemic has been hard for everyone, but especially so for those living with dementia.

“The Dignity in Dementia team do an amazing job in helping people across Cumbria and I’m pleased our support is helping them to use technology to connect with more people.”

The Cumberland pledged to help the social enterprise with a £60,000 donation late last year as they looked to expand their work into West Cumbria. Due to the coronavirus impact, they are utilising a portion of that funding to tailor the work they do to offer more virtual support across the region.

Eight ways you can help someone with dementia

  • Acknowledge the person and recognise them as the unique human being that they are. It is important to see THE PERSON with the dementia rather than the person with THE DEMENTIA
  • Respect who the person is now and their past knowledge, skills, achievements and experience
  • Show affection so that the person feels safe and secure and knows that they are a valued member of the family, community and society
  • Try to build a team around the person to reduce their isolation and support the primary carer
  • Try to create a calm atmosphere and undertake activities at a more relaxed pace. Rest is important, especially after a meal
  • Ask the person’s GP for regular medical reviews to check for side effects and ensure that medication is effective
  • Remember, the person may not be able to tell you if they are in pain, so take note of any changes in behaviour
  • Emotions strengthen as dementia progresses. It is important to recognise feelings and show empathy and understanding. Try to understand the reality of the person’s life and the ‘new normal’ that they are encountering

More advice is available at dignityindementia.org.