All of our staff members have trained to be Dementia Friends and we have made adjustments and provided training to make our surgery friendly and caring towards patients with Dementia and their Families.

We can all do more to help people live well with Dementia. You can access Dementia Friends Training near you at this link

We have worked with Kirklees Dementia Action Alliance to develop and maintain an action plan to help us continue to monitor our service in this area and strive to make improvements where needed. Please find our action plan attached below in PDF format.

In December 2019 we have added Dementia Friendly signs in the public areas of the practice to make it easier for people to find their way around inside our building. Please let us know if you have found these useful.

Age UK have a whole list of activities and resources for people living with Dementia and their families here 

Making Space offers a range of support services and activities, including dementia support services. There are drop in dementia sessions available in Meltham and Moldgreen for those living with dementia, caring for someone with dementia, or if you are interested in finding out about dementia. Click on the link for details of service near you here.

Helping someone with dementia who is in pain or distress

The physical limitations that come with growing older needn't stop people from keeping fit.

Seated exercise classes perfectly suited to those who are less mobile or steady on their feet than they used to be but want to keep active. And as Age UK’s video from its visit to Age UK Ealing shows, chair yoga can have a positive effect on the body and mind of those in the hot seat. 

Try some chair exercises by clicking here

How to start a conversation with someone living with dementia

We understand that it can be difficult to know what to say. But we’ve teamed up with people affected by dementia to give you the best tips for getting a conversation started:

‘Talk to me, smile, be a little patient and give me time to reply.’ 

'A simple ‘hello’, ask about the weather, anything that you feel comfortable with.’

'Just be yourself and yes, we will make mistakes but it’s ok to laugh along with us.’

'I love it when people ask me questions. It gives me an opportunity to show that people with dementia exist, that we can still contribute to things going on around us and that life goes on. It makes me feel good. It makes me feel like me again'

'Just don’t ask if I remember.’

'Don’t be afraid. All it takes is a conversation to see we’re still us.’

A child sees the person for who they are. This Dementia Action Week, watch what happens when kids interview people with dementia.