Burnhill Community Centre was the venue for a Dementia Awareness Session held by County Durham Residents’ Association. Andrew Bowman opened the event introducing the speakers.
The two talks covered becoming a dementia friend and dementia and spiritually. Dorothy Bowman and Joan Mitchie, are both dementia friends champions. Dorothy is a town councillor and community champion whilst Joan is Secretary of Great Aycliffe Community Aid Partnership, (GACAP).
Joan explained that the original challenge had been given to the Alzheimers’ Society to enrol 1 million people as dementia friends in 2015. The challenge had come from David Cameron when he was Prime Minister.
The goal posts had since been moved to FOUR MILLION dementia friends to be enrolled by 2020. The purpose of becoming a dementia friend was to educate the general public also to become a dementia friend and raise the awareness of the disease.
There were 5 key statements identifying dementia. The diagnosis for a person living at home with dementia could be greatly helped by way-finding signage on all cupboard and drawer, colour coding (using primary colours was best), also had positive help for people living with dementia.
Joan said the session had only been a tester and if anyone wanted a full presentation she could be contacted via info@gacap.org.uk
Eileen Bowman spoke about the spiritual aspect of people living with dementia. She showed a brand new £5 which she asked for people to identify it screwing it up then grinding it underfoot but everyone confirmed it was still a £5. This she said was the same with a person living with dementia, regardless of their diagnosis, they are still the person they were before the condition was identified.
She went on to endorse the items of signs and colour along with the benefits of photographs and music. People with dementia came alive when music they remembered was played. Not surprisingly hymns and choruses were also popular. Andrew closed the event for lunch.
County Durham Residents’ Association meet on the last Wednesday of each month and was open for all residents to attend. Look out for more information in the Newton News.
