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Helping children make sense of dementia

Posted onPosted on 22nd May
Helping children make sense of dementia

Care provider Orchard Care Homes, which has specialist dementia care units in Clipstone, Mansfield and Sutton, is launching a new children’s activity book, designed to develop understanding and remove some of the common stigmas associated with the condition as part of Dementia Action Week.

The new book will be available in Orchard Care Homes and also supplied to schools in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, in an attempt to increase awareness of dementia amongst young people.

Making Sense features fun traditional games such as mazes, spot the difference, optical illusions, memory tests, word searches and much more.

Every activity is linked to the challenges someone with dementia may face, with many pages asking children to question what they could do to help.

It is hoped that by taking part in the activities, children will better understand the difficulties of having dementia as well as empathise and bond with family members who have the condition.

Lorraine Lee, executive director for quality and governance at Orchard Care Homes, said: “Dementia can cause people to forget names and faces, not recognise where they are and become frustrated with those around them.

“This is not only upsetting for people with the condition but for families too, including children who often do not fully understand what is happening or how to feel.

“It is important children appreciate that dementia is not easy to live with, but also that they should not be afraid if someone they love has developed it.

“Making Sense puts children in the shoes of somebody with dementia so they can better understand the condition and feel more confident in maintaining close bonds with their family members.”

Making Sense is the first stage of a ground-breaking new approach to dementia by Orchard Care Homes, where residents will be provided with personlised care and encouraged to challenge themselves whilst living in familiar surroundings.