Spring has arrived! The days are getting longer, and the sun is shining a little brighter. It’s the perfect time to open the windows and let the fresh air into your home. After a long, cold winter, we all start to feel the urge to clear out the stale air and bring in some new energy. As we think about tidying up, we often notice areas of the home that could use a bit of a declutter.

Dementia is a condition that affects the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking, and everyday tasks. It is common among older people, but it can also affect younger individuals. As dementia progresses, it can change a person’s behaviour in many ways, and one behaviour that may emerge is hoarding.

As the number of older people in prisons increases, so too does the number of prisoners living with dementia. This presents unique challenges for the prison system, particularly in ensuring that healthcare workers and prison staff can identify and support individuals developing dementia during their sentences. Dementia in prisons is an issue that requires immediate attention and action to ensure the well-being of those affected.

Menopause is a natural part of life for women, but it can bring with it a variety of physical and emotional changes. One of the lesser-known effects of menopause is its potential link to cognitive changes, including memory problems, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, these symptoms may raise concerns about the risk of developing dementia later in life.

For many years, the topic of sexuality in dementia care has been overlooked or treated as a taboo subject. Conversations around sexually inappropriate behaviour or language in dementia care often make people uncomfortable, yet these issues are something caregivers regularly face. Having worked in the care sector for many years, I have witnessed how these matters can be misunderstood or mishandled. It’s time we discuss this sensitive issue with compassion, education, and a focus on the well-being of those living with dementia.

Recently, I had the privilege of giving a talk on a crucial subject – dementia and driving. It’s an area that many people find difficult to navigate, and it is important to understand how dementia can impact a person’s ability to drive safely.

Dementia affects many older adults, leading to memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday tasks. However, for LGBTQ+ older adults, dementia care can bring unique challenges beyond the physical symptoms of the condition. Stigma and discrimination play a significant role in these challenges, affecting their quality of life and access to appropriate care.

The start of a new year is often a time when many of us make resolutions, promising ourselves we’ll do things differently, better, or perhaps more or less often. These resolutions can start off with great enthusiasm, but as the year goes on, they often fade away. By the end of January, we might feel disheartened for not sticking to them. Over the years, I’ve moved away from making resolutions and instead, I’ve found joy in creating a vision board for myself.

Living with dementia is never easy. It’s a condition that brings about many changes, and caring for someone with dementia can be even harder. We all know the feeling of watching a loved one forget names, get lost, or struggle to communicate. These moments of memory loss can be painful to witness, both for the person affected and for their family and friends.

As a care partner to someone living with dementia, you already know that the most valuable gift you can offer is your time, love, and presence. The moments you share, the care you provide, and the memories you create together are priceless.

Recent research highlights the increasing need to address wandering in people with dementia. In the UK, 982,000 people are living with dementia, and 70% of them will go missing at least once. Every year, 40,000 people with dementia are reported missing for the first time, making wandering a serious concern. The risks are significant, and the consequences can be fatal. It’s often one of the early symptoms of dementia, and although not everyone will experience it, it's essential to take preventive steps.

We often make financial preparations for the future but overlook a practical and meaningful process known as “death cleaning.” This isn’t just about clearing clutter—it’s about giving your loved ones peace of mind by managing your belongings before you pass away.

Living with dementia brings many challenges, and one that often gets overlooked is sleep. Different types of dementia can affect sleep in unique ways, which can be frustrating for both the person living with dementia and their carers. But instead of focusing on what can’t be done, let’s shift the perspective to what CAN be done to manage these challenges.

When you're caring for someone with dementia, it's easy to forget that your well-being is just as important as your loved ones. But remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Prioritising your mental health helps you stay strong and resilient, so you can give your best to those around you.

As the new school year approaches, families of children with epilepsy need to take steps to ensure their safety and well-being. One of the most crucial steps is creating and updating a Seizure Action Plan (SAP). This plan is designed to guide caregivers, teachers, and school staff on how to respond in case of a seizure, providing clear instructions during potentially stressful situations.

We're always on the hunt for innovations, big or small, that will make a difference, especially in the lives of people living with cognitive impairment. Last week, we were grateful to have been allowed to take part in an OM Interactive Mobii system experience.

Welcome and thank you for visiting our blog. This is our first entry. We hope that you will stop by here regularly to read our thoughts about counselling support and dementia care and share your comments and ideas with us. We enjoy connecting with families, healthcare professionals, and people who are experiencing life difficulties and living with dementia.