Langford View residents inspired to learn about dementia from Admiral Nurse after TV programme
Langford View residents were very moved recently by a television programme in which former actress Dame Barbara Windsor and her husband spoke frankly about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
As a result, residents decided they wanted to learn more about Alzheimer’s and Dementia so that they could better help and understand those living at the home who have also been diagnosed. One of The Orders of St John Care Trust’s Admiral Nurses, Angie Williams, was invited to Langford View to give a dementia awareness presentation which included resources and information from Dementia UK, the organisation that funds Admiral Nurses.
Admiral Nurses work alongside people with dementia and their families, providing them with the specialist dementia support they need. They were named after the founder of Dementia UK, Joseph Levy CBE BEM, who himself had vascular dementia and was known affectionately as ‘Admiral Joe’ because of his love of sailing. OSJCT works closely with Dementia UK and was among the first care providers to employ its own specialist Admiral Nurses.
Angie’s presentation was well attended: residents were completely engaged with the subject and asked lots of questions throughout. Being sensitive to the fact that there may have been people in attendance who themselves live with dementia, Angie ensured the presentation was given in a manner that promoted the positive aspects of dementia as well as raising awareness of some of the difficulties people may experience.
Following the very informative session and refreshments, attendees all received a Dementia UK badge and further reading materials about dementia.
Langford View Home Manager, Farida Ait-Tales, said of the event: “I think it’s marvellous we were able to do this for our residents. Angie was able to inform them and answer their questions. It was a very successful session and I know residents got a lot out of it. It will help them understand how they can support their fellow residents and be sensitive to what their friends here at Langford View might be going through.”
Due to the success of this event residents have asked Angie along with Beverley Cotton, Langford View’s Activities Co-ordinator, to talk to them about attachment therapy and the role of reminiscence which is planned for Dementia Action Week in May.
To find out more about how OSJCT works with Admiral Nurses or what support is available at Langford View please phone the home on 01869 252343.