WENDOVER DEMENTIA ALLIANCE

Wendover Dementia Action Alliance (WDAA) tel 07394 669784

Tips to Support our Elders

This winter is a daunting prospect for many people particularly the elderly. Loneliness can be a huge problem.

Government guidelines about households mixing are changing on a daily basis and must be followed. However we can all do our bit to alleviate the loneliness. Why not try making contact by telephone with your friends and neighbours? Think of people who live alone but include any person you know supporting a husband or wife with illness or dementia. A regular phone call can make all the difference and it is easy to find out if they are worried about anything or have needs such as shopping or prescriptions. If there is difficulty hearing on the phone you may consider a doorstep visit. Standing more than 2m from the open front door, a quick chat can be a lifeline.

Remember that the purpose of any chat is to cheer them up so it is good to focus on happy past experiences not gloomy national news. Tell them stories about yourself that will make them laugh and encourage them to take up activities like looking at old photos, listening to music, knitting, jigsaws and getting out into the garden. What they need is to feel that somebody cares so picking up some shopping or a prescription for them will help. You might even get your children to send them pictures or give them a bit of home baking. Try and encourage them to use any technology they have, such as mobile phones and Wifi, which will keep them in touch with their family.

It is sad not to be able to touch or hug - so this can also be done over the phone “I can’t give you a hug but I really want to. So let’s imagine my arms around you.”

Written by Wendover Dementia Support. If you are supporting someone with dementia, live locally and would like help or advice, ring 01296 625838 or check the website www. wendoverds.org.uk/.