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- Make or buy picture signs for cupboard doors. They can help with finding kitchen items so people can make their own drinks and snacks. They can also help with locating clothing and shoes. Toilet door signs can make navigating the home easier. These simple adaptations can make a huge difference to people, supporting them to maintain their independence by doing everyday tasks for themselves.
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- Give some thought to home décor. Dark doormats can appear as holes to a person living with dementia while bold vertical stripes may appear as bars or grills. Small geometrics or flecks can look like something has been spilt or needs to be swept up or picked off and patterned curtains could appear as snakes. Swirling patterns may cause queasiness, especially if the person is taking certain medications.
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- Gadgets are available to support people with dementia. A talking watch will clearly state the time and date in a loud clear voice at the touch of a button. For peace of mind when caring for a person with dementia, a wireless floor sensor mat by the bed or at the front door will alert you by remote alarm if they wander in the day or night. A GPS tracker can be discreetly sealed in an insole for shoes or slippers if the person you are supporting is happy for you to do this or it is deemed a safety need that is in their best interest.
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- Cognitive books can help people keep their love of reading alive. They are adapted for people who are starting to lose their ability to read and can support engagement and reminiscence. Audiobooks are also great. Reading and listening to a book stimulate the brain differently but both can improve cognition and mental health.
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- Listening to or engaging with music can be great for the wellbeing of people with dementia. It can act as a prompt for reminiscing, calm people if they are showing signs of frustration and help with expressing feelings and ideas. I’ve seen non verbal people with dementia burst into full song. Alzheimer’s Society has an online All Wales Singing for the Brain. Call the Alzheimer’s Society support line for more information (see details below).
Two local advisors work with Louise in Powys. Ruth Hinwood covers South Powys and Derek Gerrard covers North Powys. They can offer ongoing, empowering support, tailored to the needs of the individual.
The team regularly visit support groups across Powys giving attendees the opportunity to chat with an adviser. They can also offer Dementia Awareness sessions for groups and organisations.
For professional or self referral, please use the support lines provided below. Support can also be accessed through the Alzheimer’s Society website along with other information and additional resources
You can contact Louise by email at Louise.Nicholas@alzheimers.org.uk with any direct queries regarding service provision and information in Powys.
Louise is also Local Services Manager for the Welsh Dementia Support Line Team
If you speak Welsh, you can call the Alzheimer’s Society Welsh-speaking support line on 03300 947 400, Monday - Friday from 9.15 - 16.00
If you require support in the evenings or at the weekend, you can call their English-speaking support line on 0333 150 3456, which is available until 8pm some evenings and 10.00 - 16.00 on Saturday and Sunday.
Dementia Voice gives people with lived experience of dementia the opportunity to have their say and influence the work of Alzheimer’s Society to ensure it reflects the needs of people affected by dementia.
This is me - Dyma fi (Cymraeg)
'This is me' is a simple leaflet for anyone receiving professional care who is living with dementia or experiencing delirium or other communication difficulties
Read online/Printable version
The dementia guide (Cymraeg)
The dementia guide is for anyone who has recently been told they have dementia. It can also be useful to the friends and family of someone with a recent diagnosis.
Read online/Printable version
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