“We are very grateful to the Trustees of Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust for their fabulous grant of £5,000 to support Dementia Services at Douglas Macmillan Hospice (Dougie Mac).”
Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal part of ageing. There are no cures for most types of dementia, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. There has been a steady increase in referrals of patients with dementia to Dougie Mac over the past 5 years and it is now our second highest referral (second to cancer patients). We have 3 Admiral Nurses who help people living with dementia stay independent for longer and support the people caring for them, so that they will have the strength to cope with the bad days, and the energy to enjoy good days.
Being diagnosed with a life-limiting condition is incredibly difficult—causing patients and people close to them anxiety about the future; questions arise around physical support needs and how they will all cope emotionally. In fact, emotional support is as important as physical treatment in most cases:
“We don’t feel as isolated now, knowing other people are feeling the same and going through the same journey as us”. – carer of a patient with dementia
“This grant will enable us to provide 2 social groups to support patients living with dementia:
Singing & Music Group – music plays such an important part in our lives right from an early age and response to music continues when we are older. It can trigger strong emotions and memories which is why it is being increasingly used to connect with people with dementia. It can benefit physical health, pain management, emotional and mental health and have cognitive benefits.
Social Morning Group – a warm, safe and welcoming environment with the aim of mental and physical stimulation, improvements in mood and wellbeing and socialisation. Carers will benefit as much as the patient by gaining reassurance and encouragement, peer support, improvements in stress levels and wellbeing.
The kindness of the Trustees will make a real difference to patients and their families – thank you so very much!”