The wide range of events organised by Cornwall Care was designed for people living with dementia as well as those who care for them. The charity’s activities across the county included workshops on relaxation, stress management and physiotherapy. In addition to the more formal activities on offer, Cornwall Care also organised shuffle board competitions and a county wide Tea Dance at the Tregenna Castle in St Ives.
Wendy Brewin from the Sensory Trust facilitated a workshop at a Memory Café’ Network day in Bodmin.
Volunteers and carers could learn how to use low-cost creative techniques to engage people with dementia in conversation and discover the person inside through sharing memories and stories relating to outdoor environments., all with a cup of tea and slice of cake.
Douglas Webb, Chief Executive of Cornwall Care said: “As Cornwall’s largest provider of care for older people, we see first hand the impact of dementia on the lives of our clients and those who care for them. By raising awareness and encouraging everyone to look at what they can do to support those living with the condition, we hope to help improve the quality of life for our clients and their carers.“As our range of activities this week has proved there are huge opportunities for those living with dementia in Cornwall to socialise, be creative and enjoy themselves.”
Wendy Brewin, Inclusive Communities Coordinator, the Sensory Trust said: "Activities such as this help improve the quality of life for people with dementia. “It is essential that we continue to integrate care facilities more closely with the communities they are part of, and use creative techniques to support people with dementia, increasing the opportunities for social interaction and participation in community life which will help to increase all round wellbeing.”
Dementia is a term used to describe various different brain disorders which cause a loss of brain function that is usually progressive and can become severe. Currently there are 750,000 people living with dementia in the UK. National Dementia Awareness Week is organised by the Alzheimer’s Society to encourage people to think about the simple things they can do to make life for the people affected more manageable and enjoyable.
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