MCA Conference 2017

https://edithellenfoundation.blogspot.co.uk/p/mca-conference-2017.html

The Rt Hon. The Lord Hardie QC said of the Mental Capacity Act 2005

“we are very concerned by what we heard about the safeguards.  The evidence suggests that tens of thousands of people are being deprived of their liberty without the protection of the law, and without the protection that parliament intended.  Worse still, in some cases the safeguards are being wilfully used to oppress individuals and to force decisions upon them.”

The Government needs to go back to the drawing board to draft replacement provisions that are easy to understand and implement, and in keeping with the style and ethos of the Mental Capacity Act 2005

Book your place today

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Reminiscence Activity

Reminiscence (including life story work and memory boxes)

People with dementia can often remember the distant past more easily than recent events.

Activities focusing on reminiscence can help improve mood and wellbeing, and promotes social inclusion and seeing the person as an individual with a unique life experience. It is a good way of helping relatives and friends stay connected as well.

There are many ways to initiate conversation and participation in reminiscence, including using photos, creating a life story book or using technology, for example watching memorable events (such as the Olympics, a royal wedding or the moon landings) on a computer or handheld device.

Reminiscence should focus on the individual and their experiences; a person's memories will have helped shape their present identity. However, it should be noted that not everyone will enjoy reminiscing about the past.

Person Centred Care

The Edith Ellen Foundation promote and raise awareness of the need for person centred care within our Adult Social Care system.

Activities in the community

Activities in the community

There can be many opportunities for activity and engagement in the local community for people with dementia, their families, friends and carers. These can include art galleries, places of worship, museums and pubs. If the person has links to a community group it can be helpful to maintain these, as it will increase social interaction and provide an opportunity for activity.

It may help to discuss the dementia diagnosis so that people in the community are aware of how they can offer support. However, this should only be done with the permission of the person with dementia and if it is what they want.

Groups

There are many pastimes that can be undertaken in groups which may help to prevent social isolation or loneliness. They can also create a sense of togetherness and belonging, for example singing or reminiscence groups.

Celebrations

Birthdays and seasonal events can be a good focus for activity and inclusion. They can help to bring people together and reduce social isolation, while helping to focus on the individual.

Involving others

Interactions with others, especially family members and friends who can offer emotional and practical support, are very important for people with dementia. It can be helpful for people other than the main carer to spend time with the person to do something they both enjoy. There are benefits to engaging other people, such as giving the main carer a break and allowing them to recharge their batteries. It gives the person with dementia more varied interaction and more social opportunities, which can lead to improved wellbeing.

Touchscreen technology (such as tablet computers) has real potential to enhance interactions with others. For example, a person with dementia and their carer could use YouTube to watch an old film or play music together. Applications for video calling (eg SKYPE) can help people stay in touch with family and friends who don't live nearby. The technology can also act as a link between younger and older generations.

Meetings with other people with dementia, and their families, can be rewarding for people with dementia and their carers. They give people the chance to share how they are feeling, offer support and a chance to meet with people in a similar situation.

What to do when someone dies

Bereavement is an emotional, difficult and distressing time.  When someone dies, there will be many matters to attend to, from arranging the funeral through to dealing with legal issues, all of which you may be unfamiliar with and it can be challenging and stressful.

To help and support you and to minimise any stresses we have produced a simple checklist of things to do in the form of a guide.