In partnership with Nationwide Building Society
Nationwide Building Society is partnering with Dementia UK to offer free dementia clinics.
They have lots of questions about his symptoms and the next steps. They’re grateful for my advice and say that having an appointment in their Nationwide branch made it less stressful. People often find it daunting to go to appointments in hospitals or mental health clinics, so holding clinics on the high street can put them at ease.
11am Next, I meet Faye, who has young onset dementia, and her partner Steve. They’re finding it harder to keep up with their hobbies, like sport and travelling, and feel quite hopeless about the future. We talk about how they could adapt things, rather than losing them – life doesn’t have to stop for dementia.
12pm I pop out for lunch and a look around the nearby charity shops – I can’t resist a bargain! I leave some cards in the shop to raise awareness of the clinics and other ways Dementia UK can support people, and drop some off in the library, too. A lot of people don’t have an Admiral Nurse in their area, so it’s important they know how else they can get support.
1pm I meet with Matt, whose mum has dementia. A recent hospital admission has left her increasingly confused. She’s having extra carers but is getting stressed about the strangers in her home. We discuss how to manage her care so it’s less unsettling for her. I also advise Matt to ask the GP for his mum’s annual dementia review – he didn’t know she was entitled to this.
4pm After two more appointments, I write up the day’s notes. Meeting today’s families has been a pleasure – it means a lot to know I’ve helped.
