Dementia Family Day March 2013

Helping Hands’ training team delivered its unique  Dementia training session to 31 delegates on Saturday, to rave reviews and a unanimous plead to roll out the training nationwide.

The delegates were mainly family members, all of whom are desperate for more information and tips on how to support their loved ones who are living with various forms of Dementia, mainly Alzheimer’s.  Among the group were Oxfordshire County Council’s Dementia Advisors, local social workers and solicitors who specialise in elderly issues.  All were thankful for the straightforward information, real examples and practical tips that the Helping Hands’ training team shared.   Comments included, “We are grateful for the opportunity to find out more about what is happening and what will happen to my father.”  The professionals within the group commented, “Excellent, really heartfelt training.  It’s given me a much wider perspective both in terms of personal experiences and how I professionally help families and clients suffering with Dementia.”

During the day the group learnt about the journey that a loved one is likely to experience living with the various forms of Dementia including Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Bodies and Frontal Lobe Dementia; with all agreeing,  “nothing prepares you for the responsibility, the emotional and the practical roller coaster.”  The Helping Hands’ Dementia Family Day was born from an acknowledgement that families are crying out for more help.  In line with organisations such as Dementia UK, Age UK and UKHCA; Helping Hands is committed to playing a leading role in Dementia Care awareness education.  The Dementia Family Days and accompanying Dementia Toolkits – a practical toolkit developed by Helping Hands and Dementia UK, are the first steps towards a determination to help people live well with the disease in their own homes.