Learning aboutAlzheimer’s...

Alzheimers Society Dementia Support Worker, Aoife McMaster.

Coleraine and Ballymoney are to be included in a a series of courses being run by Alzheimer’s Society in the Northern Trust area.

The courses aim to help carers understand more about the condition and its symptoms, including the sort of behaviours that people may display which can at times be challenging.

By understanding more about dementia the courses help people to cope better with caring for the individual.

Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Worker, Aoife McMaster, said:

“Relatives of people with dementia often say that it can be really frustrating when someone doesn’t want to change their clothes, have a shower or sleep at night, especially if the person doesn’t accept that there is anything wrong with them.

“Understanding how the person is trying to make sense of the world, and how they feel about the losses they are experiencing, can help relatives to be more patient and cope better.

“This, in turn, helps the person with dementia to be more content.”

Aoife adds: “The courses will also help people to better understand the changes that occur as dementia progresses and there will be the opportunity for carers to discuss the difficulties they face and what tactics work for them.”

A carer who attended one of the new workshops recently said: WIt has completely changed the way I think about my dad and his behaviour. I’ve passed on lots of tips to the rest of my family and so it’s had a big impact on us.”

The Alzheimer’s Society Carer Information and Support Programme courses run for four weeks

According to recent QOF data there are 5,244 people with dementia in the Northern Trust area. 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes.

Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK will have a form of dementia by 2015. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to two million people by 2051 For more information contact Aoife on 07860258728 to find out more and to book a place on the next programme locally.