The Alzheimers Society are running a new Carer’s information and support programme open to carers in Southwark and Lambeth. It is intended for carers of people who have been newly diagnosed with Dementia. The course will be delivered from Thurs 24th January (tbc), and held at the Kennington Alzheimers Society office.

The course is for a group of 12 and runs for 4 sessions.

Address: 6 Sancroft Street, Kennington, London SE11 3UD

Contact: Amy Harris, Dementia Support Worker for Southwark – 020 7735 5850 / a.harris@alzheimers.org.uk.

Below is a course outline:

 Session 1:  Understanding of dementia

• Welcome, outline of course, introductions and aims, What is dementia 
• The experience of diagnosis 
• Types of dementia 
• The impact of dementia 
• Memory problems
• Difficulties with everyday tasks 
• Problems with recognising people and places 
• Problems with perception 
• Communication and mood changes 
• Living life with dementia 
• Summary and action points 

Session 2: Issues around finances and legal arrangements

• The impact of dementia 
• Managing money 
• Managing money – before mental capacity is an an issue 
• What is a lasting power of attorney? 
• Money case study – planning ahead 
• Managing money – when there are mental capacity issues 
• Top tips for money matters 
• Making decisions for other people 
• Maximising income: benefits 
• Action plan 

Session 3: Ways of providing support and care to the person experiencing dementia

• The effect of dementia on the individual – summary 
• Ways of supporting people who have difficulties associated with dementia: memory problems 
• Ways of supporting people who have difficulties associated with dementia: everyday tasks 
• Ways of supporting people who have difficulties associated with dementia: perception (or seeing things that are not there) 
• Ways of supporting people who have difficulties associated with dementia: recognition (people and places) 
• ‘Symptoms’ or avoidable difficulties? 
• Communication 
• Getting the right support 
• Moving forward…next session 

Session 4: Helping carers look after themselves

• Managing your feelings 
• What has changed? 
• Impact of change & dementia on your feelings 
• Looking after yourself 
• Asking for help and support 
• Relaxation 
• Moving forward…next steps 
• Questionnaires