Here is our monthly round up of news and views, do click on the image below  to find out what we've been up to...

I've read much about the 'person-centred approach' towards caring for those with dementia. Part of me felt frustrated at the outset as it reminded of when I was teaching there was a focus on 'every child matters'. Seemed so obvious! How would you be an effective teacher otherwise!?

As my experience in the dementia world grew, I have realised that the person- centred approach is a healthy one, and it reminds us that it's all about the person with dementia and how they feel, in this very moment, and how we can help them to feel the best way possible.

One of the most sensible books I've come across so far that describes an excellent approach to dementia, has been 'Contented Dementia' by Oliver James. I never imagined there could exist such a concept. Contented Dementia? Up until this point, I'd only ever been presented with frustrating, upsetting and harrowing dementia.

However, I now hold onto the message that is made so clearly by James in the intro.  It goes as follows... "the only difference between the person with dementia today and the person you used to know is a single disability: they can no longer store new information efficiently.

All their difficulties and your problems in dealing with them derive from this fact.....If you cease requiring them to store new information when communicating with them, a great many of the problems will disappear.

​To do so you merely have to obey these three commandments:
1. Don't ask questions
2. Learn from them as the experts on their disability
3. Always agree with everything they say, never interrupting them."

I've included the development of these ideas in my presentations.

​Do come along to these training sessions to find out more and to meet others in the same boat.

In 1984, mum, aged 40, ran the London Marathon. It was such a massive highlight of her life and she was proud as punch to have done it. Below, in the photo, you can see her with my dad, Sam, his brother Bill and best friend Damon. She went to the hairdressers that morning and sorted the name labels so that the crowd could push them along.

I hadn't planned on going in to visit mum today in the care home, but, as soon as I heard the theme music on the Marathon tele coverage, I couldn't resist. It felt more important to go today than Christmas or Easter somehow. So I dug out the t-shirt that was given to finishers 40 years ago and headed down there with some 0% wine.

​She looked frail, tired and red around the eyes when I got there. As soon as I told her story to her wonderful carers, one of them, Luliana, flicked off whatever dreary was on the tele in the common room and found BBC Iplayer marathon coverage.  Hearing the music, Mum walked towards the massive screen, her arms in the air, tears rolling down her cheeks. She was so thrilled.......and furious with those who'd nodded off after lunch!

Mum's mara inspired me to do the same, and I too completed it in 2010. The best day of my life! A wonderful emotional rollercoaster that I felt so comfortable doing I wanted to go round again! So important to acknowledge that running is more than just a race day. Just like life, it's about pushing yourself, constantly moving forward, setting targets, dealing with injuries, joining communities and rising to each and every challenge. The highs, the lows, never staying still- taking it all in our stride. Without the crowd, the encouragement, it would be so much harder. It's so important for us to buzz each other up, in every aspect of our life.  Stuff the chitter chatter, meet for pow wows with buddies- help them to feel pumped and proud- we are the spring boards for our loved ones.

This week has been really exciting recording our first Dementia Experience podcast! Donna- Marie Searl is a supersonic care home entertainer who has been running 'Dementia Discos' at mum's care home and working with her 1-1. She has made a huge difference to all of our lives bringing her joy and who cares approach to life- listen below to hear more about her refreshing take on life.