WENDOVER DEMENTIA ALLIANCE

Wendover Dementia Action Alliance (WDAA) tel 07394 669784

“When will the café be open again?” “I miss seeing my friends.”

The Monday Club Café opened a year ago this month and then we were forced to temporarily close, because of the coronavirus, after 40 weeks of operation. At that time our 20 dedicated volunteers saw 23 people with dementia and their families every week and developed relationships with both them and their carers. We became a cohesive supportive group, looking after each other – just like a family.

The ‘lockdown” presents an enormous challenge for both carers and those living with dementia. To help them we are continuing to offer support, albeit at a distance.

PHONE

Two volunteers phone each carer every few days to have a chat, provide support and listen if the carer has any particular dilemma or difficulties. If necessary, the volunteer will pass on any specific questions to one of the senior volunteers who are in regular contact with a range of care agencies. We provide a Helpline and keep the Wendover Dementia Support website updated with examples of activities that help. We maintain communication with sons, daughters and grandchildren.

ACTIVITIES AT HOME

It is challenging for carers to help the person with dementia to keep happily occupied without their normal group activities. We produce regular Newsletters that contain photographs of the café, upbeat anecdotes about their café friends and suggestions for activities. A range of songs using the café songbook has been produced on YouTube along with videos to maintain the enjoyment of singing and dancing at the café.

We know that regular phoning, WhatsApp links, a Helpline, Newsletters, delivering cakes and cards, singing songs and so on bring our family from the café closer together until – We meet again. Wendover Dementia Support Committee