Trem Y Cwm Sheltered Scheme come together for a heart warming session on dementia

Ahead of Dementia Action Week, we caught up with Emma, Sheltered Scheme Coordinator who had recently organised a Dementia Friends session at Trem Y Cwm after requests from tenants.

Emma shared all about the heart warming session, that brought tenants at the scheme together to learn more about dementia but turned into an honest conversation of personal experiences.

Emma explained: “Following on from a tenant meeting, they were keen to have workshops or sessions organised to learn more. After doing some research, I discovered Dementia Friends and organised for a session to take place.

“We were joined by Hannah Watson from RCTCBC who delivered the session. Hannah was the perfect lady for the job. She delivered the session in such a lovely manner, and was understanding, caring, patient and let the session be led by the experiences and thoughts shared by the tenants.”

Hannah, Older Persons Coordinator, shared: “It was a pleasure to deliver the Dementia Friends Information session to the tenants at Trem Y Cwm. Everyone was so engaged, and it was truly refreshing to have such openness and honesty in sharing personal stories and experiences. I hope the tenants found it useful and I look forward to hearing more on their plans for Dementia Friendly action locally”.

Part of the session was where they spoke about the five key messages of dementia friends. These are:

1. Dementia is not a natural part of aging. This is an extremely important message. However, it is known that the greatest known risk factor for dementias overall is increasing age.
2. It is caused by diseases of the brain.
3. It’s not just about memory loss.
4. It’s possible to live well with dementia.
5. There is more to the person than the dementia.

These messages brought up discussions around symptoms, fears, experiences and how everyone sees dementia differently.

Emma said: “One tenant at the session, was diagnosed with onset of dementia in 2023, following concerns around her forgetfulness and confusion. Mrs I was very open during the session, and it meant that everyone was able to build a deeper understanding by hearing her experiences.

“We learnt that it’s not just the forgetfulness, it’s much more than that. Dementia can completely change a person. Mrs I shared one of her symptoms was swearing, having no filter, and not having control over what she was saying. She felt like she had to apologise for being rude, even though she could not stop it. Tenants took a lot from this, the reality of what daily life can be like living with dementia, and how brave people are for being so open.”

There were also lots of happy experiences shared at the session too. How love and support can help those living with dementia, manage symptoms and how understanding it is a great tool.

Emma expressed: “What stood out from me was learning that with the memory loss, memories are stored on one side of your brain, on say a shabby old bookshelf, and the feelings that go with them memories, are stored on the other, on a solid sturdy bookcase. As these bookshelves are rocked, the memories may fall away, fall of the shabby un-sturdy shelf, but the feelings, they are more solid. They don’t fall away.

“You may not remember why you feel happy and loved, but you do. You could be frustrated and angry and have no idea why. This is why people having understanding and patience is key to helping people live well.”

Tenants living at the scheme really enjoyed the session. Despite some raising concerns that they were a bit scared to attend and learn that they may have symptoms of dementia or end up saying the wrong thing. They all left the session with a better understanding and feeling more relaxed about it.

Emma shared: “Hannah was amazing. She told the tenants she would send through a check list of symptoms and that if anyone has any concerns, they can address it with their GP. This really helped to ease some of the worries that they had.”

Here’s what tenants had to say:

Kevin said: “After the course, I was just really happy with how much I had learnt about Mrs I, from her sharing. I am so proud of her being so brave and so honest.”

Pat said: “Dementia isn’t new to me. I understand a lot from supporting my friend. But I think with the session being so open and honest, we all took something away from it, learning from other experiences.”

Jen said: “It was so interesting. I’m really glad I took part. Everyone was so open and honest, and I took a lot from that.”

Emma explained: “At the end of our session, Den, one of the tenants spoke and said ‘I just want to say, I am glad we all done this today. Mrs I being here, being with friends, being so honest, helped us understand and we’re going to look after you.’”

“I still get goosebumps and a big smile, now, just thinking about that comment. It is what Sheltered is all about. Company, friends, sharing precious moments and combating isolation together.”

Further support

Find out more about Dementia Friends, here.

If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, please visit Alzheimer’s Society for more support or chat with your GP.

Want to learn more?

The Alzheimer’s Society will be running virtual Dementia Friends information sessions every weekday Monday 19 May to Friday 23 May at 10am, 1pm and 5pm. These sessions will be delivered on Zoom and everybody is welcome.

Link: https://alzheimers.zoom.us/j/64052909154 Session ID: 640 5290 9154

Or take part in the digital bitesize session that’s available: dementiafriends.org.uk/register-digital-friend