Blog

We had 22 members today. The karaoke session was on at 2pm as usual and the at 2.30pm everyone was happy to meet for their chats. Lisa welcomed everyone and asked if everyone had a lovely Mother’s day weekend. Lisa gave a few updates informing everyone about our special guest – Dr David Jefferys tomorrow evening at the carers group meeting and also alerted members about phone call scams from calls pretending they were from the Inland Revenue (HMRC). Lisa also asked members whether they wanted to have the Bank Holiday as a day off on Monday 5^th April and everyone decided they were happy.

Katie Paine our music entertainer then joined us and everyone welcomed her. Katie always likes to have a chat with everyone before she starts too. Katie today decided to sing lots of Elvis songs and everyone was very pleased as Elvis is a great favourite. One of our carers Kevin was also quickly able to find the wig and glasses to be a look alike Elvis.

Eon Walters then joined us and as usual this is always a great session as everyone is seriously joining in and enjoying the challenge. A good whole body workout which everyone can participate.

Kevin then followed with the Family Fortunes quiz which is always a great laugh and then Lisa called out the Bingo numbers. The Bingo winner today was Pam and John.

We had 24 members today. Our Karaoke session was a great start and then our chat session followed. It was lovely to see a few of our members dancing to one of the songs we played ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle boy of Company B’ . Lisa welcomed everyone and especially Lillian who returned back today after a hip operation. Kevin and Chrystalla were dressed as in the 60s and had dark glasses and Kevin had a black short wig. When James Le Bec our music entertainer joined it was also surprising to see that he was also wearing dark glasses and had his hair in a ponytail. James started with some Elvis songs which everyone really enjoyed and then it was time for the music quiz with the rolling of the digital dice. James played a few snippets of each 10 songs for everyone to try and name the title. The winner with the highest score in this part was Kevin. The quiz still continues however to reach a total score and hopefully beat last week’s score with a little cheating! It’s all great fun. It was decided that next week will be a 60s Flower power week where everyone men and ladies will wear something flowery and colourful.

James finished off with singing Rock n Roll which got everyone very excited and a few members up dancing.

Richard Kravetz then joined us and as usual everyone loves to participate as Richard makes the exercises fun. Richard then continued with his quiz and as Mother’s Day was on Sunday he decided to do a Mother’s Day quiz. It wasn’t easy but a challenge is always good. The quiz winners were Jackie and Joan and they get a pretend box of chocolates and a bunch of carnations.

Lisa then called the Bingo numbers and the winner today was Karen and Lillian. They were so happy and it was lovely to see Lillian smile.

We had 35 members this evening. Lisa welcomed everyone and welcomed our special guest Nigel Wray who is also our Patron. Nigel spoke a few words to say how he was delighted to be at the carers group meeting and was so fed up with the lockdown, he can’t wait until it is all back to normal.

Lisa then welcomed her Trustees and also Andrew who does the seminars.

Lisa gave a few updates first informing everyone about the new government legislation on ‘visiting in care homes’ and how it was through the carers group meeting when concerns were raised about visiting in car homes that Lisa decided to raise the matter at Council and was able to ask Theresa Villiers MP (also our Patron) to speak at Parliament. Lisa also mentioned that again through the carers group meetings vaccinations for unpaid carers was not on the priority list but Lisa again raised this at council and was therefore able to ask the Leader of the Council to send a letter to the government asking for unpaid carers to be added to the list which has now been done. Lisa also mentioned for everyone to check the website as they will be able to hear her recent talk at Middlesex University about dementia and also a letter from NHS North Central London CCG about Lisa’s achievement in getting the 383 Bus to the Finchley Memorial Hospital which is now in the glass noticeboard in reception.

Lisa then announced and congratulated Andrew and his partner as today they became proud owners of their first house. Everyone raised their glasses.

Before Lisa opened the floor for discussion she reminded everyone that the first 30 minutes of the session was for them to raise any concerns and she would make sure that the concerns had enough time to be discussed. There were a few matters raised about social services and when someone can request them and what they can do to provide support.

It was then time for Andrew to start his seminar and today’s talk was about The Mind and Mindfulness and also Dementia Awareness and the main types of dementia. There were quite a few questions after and members were very grateful to not only receive advice and information from Andrew and Lisa but also from Dr Angela Parker our GP and one of our Trustees.

It was a very interesting and informative meeting. Lisa thanked everyone and gave a very special thanks to Nigel and Nigel replied that he was very humbled.

We had 22 members this afternoon. Lisa started with the karaoke session and as Tuesday is a day of new music requests everyone was looking forward to it. Lisa and Mark also showed a short video clip today of an elderly couple in their 90s dancing and jiving. It was very inspirational. The chat time then followed and Lisa welcomed everyone and reminded them about completing their Census for Sunday 21st March and also it is Mother’s Day this Sunday. Lisa also mentioned about the carers group meeting later and that Nigel Wray our Patron would be joining us.

Ian our music entertainer then joined us and everyone was happy to see him Ian did a little reggae today and then a bit of a general mix which got everyone dancing in their chairs.

Rachel then joined us for the exercises and Rachel makes sure that everyone participates in their own pace safely. The last part of the exercise session is more energetic with salsa and disco dancing which everyone looks forward to.

Lisa then continued with a short quiz on TV Adverts. Chris and Gina and Helen were the winners with the highest scores. Lisa then called out the Bingo and the winner today was John and Audrey.

We had 23 members today. Lisa had a dental appointment and unfortunately was away for the first half of the session. Mark continued with the session however starting with the Karaoke and then Kevin covered the chat time with members after the Karaoke.

Katie Paine performed magnificently as usual entertaining everyone with music favourites and then Eon Walters gave members a good exercise session to his very great up beat music.

Lisa was back at this time and welcomed everyone and also thanked Kevin for covering earlier. Lisa gave some good news updates informing everyone about her talk to Middlesex University which is on the website and also informed everyone about the 383 Bus letter from NHS North Central London CCG which is now in the Finchley Memorial Hospital glass notice board. Lisa also reminded everyone that Nigel Wray our Patron will be visiting tomorrow at the carers group meeting and Dr Rhonda may also be joining for a short time.

The session then followed with Kevin who had organised a picture quiz for members. These were 10 celebrity faces from the 60s. The top winner was Jackie and Joan with 9 out of 10 followed by Helen and Pam with 8 out of 10.

Lisa then called out the Bingo numbers and the winners today was Laurie and Sandra.

Thank you to Kevin and Mark today for keeping the session running smoothly.

Lisa today was invited by Cristiana Rose of Middlesex University to talk to their Parents and Carers network group about Dementia Club UK.

We had 23 members today. The Karaoke session started at 2pm followed by the chat session. Some members were already dressed up to look like Frank Sinatra – ready for when James joined to start the music entertainment. This got members starting to reminisce and sing some songs they remembered. It was lovely to hear some members singing and then talking about memories of their career. James Le Bec and Joy then joined us and as members were already in the mood singing without any music, James decided to sing along with members before starting his music entertainment.

James then decided to the music quiz a little bit different today. He decided not to play any music clips. Instead he decided to sing himself a couple of verses of a song so that members can guess the title. Members actually enjoyed this and there were 3 winners with 9 out of 10 correct answers – Helen, Grace and Kevin.

Richard then joined us for the Yoga exercises which was as usual great. Richard then follows on with his quiz and today it was about Board Games. They were challenging but enjoyable. The winner with 6 out of 10 was Keren and she won a pretend House in Mayfair as in the game of Monopoly.

Lisa then called out the Bingo numbers and the winner was Kevin and Mabel

We want to thank Kevin who chaired this evening’s Carers Session. There were 28 participants at this evenings DCUK Carers meeting.

7:00- 7:30 was a general open forum on matters on the Carer’s mind.

The subject of respite vouchers was discussed so Carers can have a break with the cost of respite care being partially funded. To obtain these a Social Worker would need to conduct a Carers Assessment to assess the eligibility.

A participant raised concern with eye tests for a dementia sufferer not giving the full picture during the examination. It was advised to warn the optician in advance so they can take this into account. Andrew from Carlton Court Care Home advised they use Blink Eye Care who are skilled at dealing with dementia. They can carry out home visits. Hital is the best contact and can be emailed info@linkeyecare.co.uk or call 020 8816 8549. Andrew further emphasised the importance of sight with dementia as this fading with the brain will accelerate the Dementia condition.

It was established through www.gov.uk website, you can apply for 4 months supply in January for free vitamin D tablets.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/at-risk-groups-to-receive-free-winter-supply-of-vitamin-d

7:30- 8:00 Andrew completed the training on social interaction with dementia. This was carried over from the previous week where given the immensity of the subject needed further discussion

The power of reminiscence was highlighted. Music is the main source for this. It was also suggested looking at old photos or having a memory box would help engage the mind.

The issue of Sundowners was bought up. This is part of day where the Carer will need to recognise things are not quiet and the mind of the person living with Dementia is disturbed. It was advised to try to relax them and immerse them with an activity. It was suggested it can be helpful mentioning people who have passed away in the present tense.

The PowerPoint slides were sent last week. Anyone who has not received these and would like to assess them please contact Lisa.

8.00-8.30 Q&A for Andrew based on training or other matters on our mind.

One participant stated reciting the Lord’s Prayer in the morning was good for spiritually and remembering the words good exercise for the mind.

A Carer mentioned the issue of their cared for wanting to go home somewhere else although they are at home. Andrew advised not to argue but go with their flow and where appropriate distract the person to divert the conversation. This can be challenging and we should be kind to ourselves if we do not get it totally right.

It was further encouraged as Carers we should to try to think of and chose engaging activities during challenging moments.

The concern of not taking liquids and risk of UTI’s was raised again   Dr Angela advised to disguise liquids using jellies, sorbet and soups. Sometimes a straw provides an incentive drink.

A massive thank you to Dr Angela and Andrew for their invaluable constructive feedback throughout the session for the many issues raised by the Carers.

We had 26 members today. The Karaoke session started at 2pm with new song requests and then the chat session started at 2.30pm.

Lisa welcomed everyone and also welcomed the new members and reminded everyone about the carers group session later this evening.

Ian James our music entertainer then joined us and as usual Ian is always happy to have a chat with everyone before he starts. Ian’s music today was a variety of music favourites which members enjoyed singing along. Ian also surprised some of our Italian members when he started to sing some songs with some Italian words. It was a wonderful surprise and Ian informed us later that he could also try some other songs next week with other languages too. Everyone always look forward to seeing Ian as his choice of music and passion is electrifying.

Rachel Karbaron was then ready to start with her exercises. Members look forward to seeing Rachel as she provides exercises that everyone can participate and her music is also great. Her dance routines towards the end showing some salsa steps and then disco dancing to ‘Night Fever’ John Travolta style is also something members really look forward to every week. Finishing off with a Hawaiian cool down is also a treat.

Lisa then continued with the session with a quiz – 10 questions about TV Adverts. The members with the highest score was Pam and John and Chris and Gina. Lisa then called the Bingo numbers and the winner today was Helen and Chrystalla. 

We had 25 members today. The usual Karaoke started at 2pm followed by the chat session at 2.30pm. Lisa welcomed everyone and mentioned that it was St. David’s Day and was wearing a daffodil which is the National Flower of Wales. There was lots of general chatting and then Katie Paine our music entertainer joined us . Katie’s music today was music from around the world which was very enjoyable and members sang along to some of them.

Eon Walters then joined us for the exercises. Everyone loves Eon’s workout and especially his choice of music which is really motivating.

Lisa then showed a short funny video and then Kevin had some Family Fortunes questions. This is always great fun with Kevin. The winner for the quiz with the highest score was Jackie and Joan. It was then time for the Bingo and the winner today was John and Audrey.

It was a lovely session. Thank you Kevin for doing the quiz.