Dementia cafes will be held in a Lake District town from the end of this month.
The monthly cafes, in Windermere, run by St Mary’s Hospice, are aimed at providing information and advice for those living with dementia.
There will also be hot drinks, cake, laughter, fun, quizzes, singing, exercise and much more.
Dementia specialist nurses, Janice McKenna and Sophie Murphy-Ayeche are leading the events and want to spread the word about them to encourage more people to attend.
In 2022, St Mary’s Hospice launched their first Memory Lane Café events in Ulverston, headed up by Janice.
Janice first started training to work with dementia patients 10 years ago when her mum Pat was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s disease. Janice has more than 15 years of experience of looking after people with dementia, including her parents and is extremely passionate about it.
Already working in healthcare, Janice embarked on a dementia specialism training course because she wanted to be better placed to care for her mum as her condition deteriorated. Janice’s dad Stan was later diagnosed with vascular dementia and with the training she had and a specialist set of skills, she was able to take care of him.
Janice said: “When mum was diagnosed, I just wanted to be able to understand it. I went on a course to see what I could find out and then I did my NVQs and, eventually, got a diploma.
“It all came in handy again when my dad was diagnosed. It was devastating that he had it too, but at least I was able to help him. I never imaged I’d end up working with dementia patients as my job, it was never about that, not to start with.”
Janice first got to know St Mary’s Hospice when her husband Dave sadly became ill. She said: “The hospice team nursed Dave in his final days. They were fantastic with him and when I saw the level of care they were able to give it was really something I thought I’d like to help with.”
Janice said it was perfect when she heard about St Mary’s new dementia service because this gave her the opportunity to work with the people who had cared for her husband.
Both Janice and Sophie are hoping to attract more people to the events so they can receive some help. The next event will be held on Thursday, February 29 from 1.15pm to 3pm at the Marchesi Centre on Holly Road in Windermere.
Cafes will also be held on March 28, April 25, May 23 and June 20.
Janice added: “People can come and be left with us by their carer, or their carer can come and join us too. We have different speakers each time and play different games. There’s something for everyone and we all have great fun.
“I know how hard it can be caring for a loved one with dementia. You’re isolated and stressed and it’s the worst time of your life. I wish there had been something like what we provide when my parents were ill.”
