SUPPORTING WIDOWS & WIDOWERS WITH DEMENTIA

Our work with dementia

Elderly lady holding microphone, and elderly man watching with two young volunteers

As a proportion of our users are elderly, we try and support them in any way we can, and this involves helping and supporting users with dementia.


As a part of this project we have set up an activity program consisting of arts and crafts, and musical sessions with singing and dance. Read more about the benefits these activities can have for people with dementia, and learn more about the condition.


The support group session takes place every Thursday between 1 pm and 3 pm, and you can sign up here.  

Group sessions with music, dance and song

Sessions with music, dance and singing  helps to encourage interaction, confidence and brings emotional closeness, all things people with dementia can struggle with. Other benefits include building motor skill, agitation management and working to maintain communication and interpersonal skills. 

What you need to know about dementia

  • It currently affects 850,000 people in the U.K


  • 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have developed dementia 


  • There are several different types of dementia, where Alzheimer disease is the most common affecting 62% of people diagnosed 


  • Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding 

  • Unpaid people caring for someone with dementia saves the government an approximate £11 billion a year


  • 69% of all people in care homes are affected by dementia


  • It affects slightly more women than men


  • Contrary to common belief, dementia is not an inevitable part of getting older but a serious and complicated condition 




Why music and art?

Our programme involves the use of music, singing and dancing, along with several different arts and crafts to engage our users. But why these particular activities?


Music

Imagine how empty your own life would be with no music whatsoever...


Specially for people with dementia, music can be a powerful form of self expression and engagement both on their own and with others. Even in late stages of dementia when verbal communication is difficult, people can still hum along to a melody they love, or tap the beat of their favourite tune. And most importantly, does not everyone deserve  the joy of music?


Arts & Crafts

Art gives a sense of accomplishment and purpose, as well as being a good form of self-expression and an excellent activity for building confidence. Our volunteers are here to help users get started, and to talk about the projects they create. This also gives them excellent opportunities to engage with others in the session and counteracts loneliness and isolation. 


More common as therapy 

More and more institutions are using different forms of art, music and cultural elements to help and engage people with dementia. Several museums and organisations like Arts4Dementia have started working to create dementia-friendly exhibitions and events. Find out more and research venues in your area.

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You have a chance to make a huge difference in someones life today, by donating to our charity you will help us reach more widows and widowers in need. 

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