29 April 2022 - CONNECT Rua |
Kia ora and welcome to our second new look Connect newsletter! |
At Dementia Wellington, we think a lot about looking after the people who are dear to you and looking after you. We know dementia affects everybody, both the people who have it and their whānau. So, we do a lot of work finding information, seminars, new approaches, new data, practical tips and experiences that help you deal with your own situation. In this issue of Connect, look for:
- build your knowledge with dementia essentials seminars: what is dementia? How does it affect people? Come and hear the real oil from people who have supported others through it, understanding changed behaviour, dealing with grief and loss
-
learn about the latest data on dementia: Dr. Vanda Symon presents new information about dementia and Pacific peoples at Te Papa on 22 September
-
explore creative approaches: data and science are essential in the fight against dementia and so is creativity. Read about Nicola Pauling from VoiceArts and the role of imagination, movement, joy, and laughter
- …and a lot more…. inside!
|
Your feedback Thank you for your feedback about our first online Connect newsletter, we are delighted that you enjoyed the new look and look forward to hearing any suggestions for improvements and what you would like to see included in future newsletters.
Our goal is to become a financially sustainable organisation that has the capacity to meet the increased demand for our services. To that end we rely on the generosity of our community to enable us to continue to provide the full suite of service options we currently offer. We are truly grateful and appreciate every donation we get and remember for every donation over $5.00 you can claim a tax rebate. |
Looking after you and yours
I am hopeful that we are starting to see some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. It has been a tough couple of years and as we are moving through the tail end of the pandemic with the lifting of mandates and traffic light changes it is tricky to keep up to date with the latest advice, as always, the best place for reliable information is the Government's website.
Dementia Wellington remains committed to keeping our services running while keeping everyone safe and minimising the risk of spreading Covid. |
Your donations
Did you know that we have 24 people who have set up regular donations directly to our bank account. In the last financial year we have received a total of $12,500 from these regular donors! Making a commitment to be a regular donor is easy to set up and even a small amount every month can be easier on the bank account but soon builds up as a significant donation to Dementia Wellington. If you would like to become a regular donor, email Hannah donations@dementiawellington.org.nz and she can talk you through the process.
| |
|
With our own ANZAC day commemorations now behind us it is sobering to read about the ongoing situation in Ukraine, I can only imagine the terrible impact on people living with dementia. Our hearts go out to all those families affected and we hope for a resolution that will bring an end to their distress.
Ngā mihi, Anne Schumacher Chief Executive |
|
|
LOOKING AFTER YOU Upcoming Education Events
Our current series of Dementia Essentials seminars are at the Loss and Grief Centre Kāpiti on Tuesday afternoons from 1-2.30pm starting on April 5th and ending on May 24th; and the Tawa Anglican Church on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30-3pm starting on April 13th and ending on May 25th. Each session covers topics like 'Understanding Changed Behaviour' and 'Dealing with Grief and Loss' - you can attend just one seminar that interests you or as many as you want. Contact Sheena Farquhar on 020 4069 3919 or sheena@dementiawellington.org.nz to register for the Kāpiti seminars or contact Sarah Togher on 020 4025 2329 or educator@dementiawellington.org.nz to register for the Tawa seminars.
Our next Navigating Dementia information sessions Navigating Dementia information sessions are from 6.30 – 8pm Wednesday, May 4th at the Grief and Loss Centre, 1C Kāpiti Road, Paraparaumu; and 4.30-6pm Thursday March 12th at the Karori Community Centre, 7 Beauchamp Street, Karori. These information sessions cover what dementia is, how it impacts, the stages of dementia, and the different support services that go with each stage. Contact Sheena Farquhar on 020 4069 3919 or sheena@dementiawellington.org.nz to register for the Kāpiti session; and contact Tina Carter on 020 4112 2196 or tina@dementiawellington.or.nz to register for the Karori session.
|
|
|
'Let's talk about Dementia' Westpac Symposium
After numerous postponements, we are very much looking forward to bringing you our Symposium to be held on Thursday 22 September at Te Papa.
If you haven't already, please mark it in your calendars and a bit closer to the time we will advise about pricing and ticket sales. Thank you to Westpac for sponsoring the event. |
|
|
One of the programme highlights, of which there are many, is the presentation from Dr Vanda Symon from the University of Otago who leads a research team exploring the needs of Pacific people and families affected by age-related cognitive impairment. You can read more about her study here and of course, come along and hear her speak at the Symposium in September. (If you think her name sounds familiar it is because she is also a crime fiction writer).
|
|
|
Voice Arts
The Dementia Wellington Living Well Groups are for people who are living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The aim is to provide peer connection, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement. This year we are planning to extend the reach of the Living Well programme throughout the region. The groups are facilitated by a Dementia Advisor and for the Wellington group in Kilbirnie, we have had the good fortune to collaborate with Nicola Pauling from Voice Arts, who facilitates a variety of activities that utilise imagination, cognition, and encourage mobilisation, joy and laughter.
|
|
|
In addition to the Voice Arts component, after a break for afternoon tea, the group discusses current events such as the war in Ukraine and at the last group listened to the Pachelbel Canon and then the participants shared their music experiences from their past. As these photos show, a stimulating and enjoyable afternoon was had by all! |
|
| LOOKING AFTER THE PEOPLE YOU CARE ABOUT
Dementia and sleep
This is the first of two articles about sleep written by Dr Rosie Gibson. Sleep is one of the most asked about and problematic issues that our clients face. To start we focus on tips for sleeping and in the next issue we will look at the research associated with sleep and dementia.
Sleep disturbances can be a common experience for people with dementia, including feeling unusually sleepy in the day or alert at night, more fragmented sleep and confused awakenings, strange dreams, as well as other common sleep disorders like snoring. These sleep disturbances have been associated with the neurological changes of dementia, side effects of medications, as well as altered routines and environments. Those supporting someone with dementia often experience sleep disturbances too. This has been related to caregiving responsibilities and concerns, increased awakenings at night to provide support, and less opportunity to rest in the day if there is a lack of respite.
Some of these factors may not be simple to resolve. However, these tips can help us look after our sleep and provide an avenue for supporting waking wellbeing and living well with dementia: -
Keeping a routine strengthens the internal body clock and provides a greater sense of time of day. Consider regular timing for exercise, meals, and social activities
-
Daylight provides a key cue to the body clock. Incorporating some time in natural light is ideal in the morning. Similarly, dim evening lighting helps encourage falling asleep.
-
Consider what you are eating and drinking and when. Avoid eating or drinking too much before bed to reduce indigestion or toileting needs. Also be mindful not to go to bed thirsty and have fresh water available. Alcohol might appear to help with falling asleep but can disrupt the quality of sleep so avoid too close to bedtime. Conversely, caffeine is stimulating and the effects long lasting. Therefore, it is advised to avoid caffeinated drinks after lunch onwards.
- Relaxing pre-sleep routines can help the mind and body to relax. Consider what is relaxing to you. For example, gentle heat or massage, a warm shower or bath, quiet reading, or music.
- Make the bedroom sleep-friendly, for example:
appropriate lighting for sleep and safety block out disturbing noise, but consider gentle music or something relaxing avoid watching TV or using brightly lit devices in bed -
make the bed nice and comfortable
- keep the temperature suitable for sleep
- reserve the bed for sleep, relaxing lie-ins, and sexual intimacy; not for work or other activities
-
Make a plan for what you will do if you cannot fall asleep. Try getting out of bed, spend a little time in another room doing a relaxing activity, before trying to sleep again.
-
Sleeping medications may be useful for a short period to treat insomnia. However, their success is very varied and side effects can outweigh the benefits. Please consult your doctor first.
-
Consider underlying health conditions which can impact sleep. Try to reduce symptoms and discomfort before sleep and consider the effect of associated medications.
-
Consult your doctor if you have a long-lasting sleep problem, feel excessively sleepy in the day, or think you have heavy snoring or trouble with your breathing while sleeping. A doctor can advise and refer you to your local sleep clinic if necessary.
Dr Rosie Gibson is a Senior Lecturer at Massey University where she conducts research concerning sleep with aging and dementia. For resources on sleep and dementia check out The Australian Sleep Health Foundation
|
|
|
OUR PEOPLE Benny's retirement
A morning tea was held on Feb 22nd to say farewell to one of our longest serving volunteers, Benny Hueston. Benny rang the Hutt Volunteer service way back when Nigel Heard was Manager and has been at Dementia Wellington ever since. Benny has 'done a lot of work over the years' with his main task being to keep on top of the weeding and mowing the lawn at the Hutt Hub. Benny said how good it had been to volunteer -- "It's been a great education and I've enjoyed meeting people at the do's and the clients are very interesting.' Those of us at the morning tea found out that Benny had been a drummer in the Underdogs – a band that performed on Happen Inn in the 70's. Benny is looking forward to having more time and playing table tennis at the Empire Table Tennis club. Thanks from all of us to Benny for his many years of volunteering.
|
|
|
Thank you Oli Keogh from The Homeloan Shop
Thank you so much to Oli Keogh from The Home Loan Shop who is running 1000 km in 100 days in the hope of raising $10,000 for Dementia Wellington. Oli has raised $7,600 and has run approximately 540km! Awesome work Oli! You can donate to Oli's Givealittle page here. |
|
|
If you are keen to run your own fundraiser for Dementia Wellington please get in touch and we'll help promote what you are doing and help set up the donation page. |
|
|
DATA-DRIVEN
Age Concern survey about Impact of Covid on older people
Age Concern recently released the results of their survey on the impact of Covid on older people with more than 450 people filling it in, including 400 people over 65yrs old. Age Concern shared the data widely with Councils, the Ministry of Health and DHBs.
Two in three seniors are trying to stay home as much as possible right now. Those that do venture out are mostly picking up groceries or medication or visiting the doctor.
One surprising result was that the older age group (80+) are generally less concerned than younger seniors aged 65-79. The full report is available here. |
|
|
Land Search and Rescue seeks people experienced with Dementia Dementia Wellington enjoys a good working relationship with LandSAR and recently collaborated to make a short video about dementia for them to use for their volunteer training. You can watch the video here.
While LandSAR typically conjures images of backcountry searches for missing trampers and hunters, a significant number of searches today are for people with dementia. LandSAR is therefore looking to recruit more members who have experience interacting with people with dementia, in addition to a bit of tramping experience. They are considering a membership pathway for those who have the skills for searching Wellington suburbs and reserves (which can still sometimes be quite tricky terrain!), but don't quite have the skills or speed for backcountry searches. If you or someone else you know is interested, please contact membership@landsarwellington.org
|
|
|
Can you support Dementia Wellington's work?
In addition to making a financial contribution to support our work there are other opportunities to contribute. Dementia Wellington currently has two volunteer roles that we are looking to fill.
If you have time to spare and are interested in supporting the work we do at a governance level you might like to consider joining our Board of Trustees. Experience is not necessary as we can support you and there is an abundance of training available on 'how to be an effective board member'! If you would like to find out more about what is involved, please contact Anne Schumacher, anne@dementiawellington.org.nz or phone 021 0837 6641.
We are also looking for an experienced Fundraiser to help steer our fundraising campaigns – experience working in the NGO sector as a fundraiser is essential. If you would like to know more check out the advertisement. |
|
|
Funding update
We are pleased to advise that we have received grants from Wellington Community Fund and the Kapiti Coast District Council's Social Investment fund to support our Living Well with Dementia Socialisation programme. These grants will enable us to connect people with dementia to their local communities. Keeping active and social is so important to maintain wellbeing and everyone benefits as outlined in the article on Voice Arts in this newsletter. The full list of all our current funders and organisations who provide pro bono support is below – thank you!
We hope you will continue to support us by spreading the word of the work we do, and if you are able, to contribute to our campaigns and fundraising activities through the coming year. The best way to donate is directly to our bank account. Check out the details here. |
|
|
What's coming up
Click through to our What's on in May, June, and July plan to see the dates of our upcoming activities. You can copy the relevant dates into your calendars or diaries and see what's coming up in other areas too. We try to make sure this is always up-to-date and current but with uncertainty around Covid things can change rapidly. Our Dementia Advisors contact details will always try to let you know if anything changes but please contact them by email or phone if you're unsure.
Our updated service booklet is now available. In this booklet you will find full details of all our services and support groups. Please feel free to share this with neighbours and friends who might find it helpful and contact us if you would like to get a printed copy. |
|
|
Are you able to support people affected by dementia in Wellington? Would you like to support our work?
Click here to donate
Donations of $5 or more are tax-deductible
Dementia Wellington is a registered charity (CC56108) and an affiliate of Dementia NZ. |
|
|
|