New dementia information session planned

WITH more and more families in the Ballymena district coming to terms with the reality of Alzheimer’s, a new programme of information evenings is to be hosted at The Braid during October.

There is estimated to be 23000 people in Northern Ireland with dementia.The term ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms which include loss of memory, mood changes, and problems with communication and reasoning.

These symptoms occur when the brain is damaged by certain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease or damage caused by a series of small strokes.

As the brain shuts down, a person gradually loses the ability to do the things many of us take for granted from enjoying conversations with family or friends to eating or dressing without help.

The Alzheimer’s Society will host the following Information programme in The Braid (Town Hall), Ballymena 7.00pm – 9.00pm:-

Tuesday 1 October: Dementia – Diagnosis and Management, speaker:Dr Sarah McCann, Consultant.

Tuesday 8 October: Behaviours which may challenge carers, speaker: Donna Hill, Behavioural Science Nurse

Tuesday 15 October: Legal & Financial Matters in Dementia, speaker: Linda Johnston Solicitor

Tuesday 22 October: Quality standards in Care Homes, speaker: J Montgomery & N Carey.

The programme aims to enable family members / carers to develop their knowledge and understanding of dementia, to assist them in their supporting/ caring role.

Carer support groups are also held each month (excluding July/August), details of which are: Ferrard House Antrim - second Monday night of each month (7.00-8.30pm); Wilson House Broughshane - third Tuesday night of each month- (7.00-8.30pm).

These groups provide carers with an opportunity to meet in a safe and relaxed environment, with others in a similar role to give and receive peer support. Unlike activity groups, these groups are for Carers only.

Other services available from the Alzheimer’s Society locally are one-to-one visits for information or support, Activity Groups, Friendship Group and Social outings.

For further details please contact Wilma McIlroy, Dementia Support Worker Antrim/Ballymena Area on 028 9446 1717 or email [email protected]