This little book is a life saver for people who have dementia and their caregivers, families and friends. I think it should be given out by every professional who gives the initial diagnosis. People need something to grasp, and the sensitivity, simplicity and emotion contained in this book may help them cope better.”-- Lorraine Morgan, Nurse Gerontologist Janet feels the book was written with compassion for both the person with dementia and those supporting them. Develop other Finding the Light in Care training: for example, for people living with Parkinson’s disease, stroke and more. Maybe start off with writing down their wants and not wants. For example, they may have specific religious and/or cultural beliefs that may influence what they eat or how they worship or they may wish to avoid certain medical treatment. It is important that their choices are documented and whilst, of course decisions can change, you have both taken some control in future planning.

A strong self-development ethos underpins the whole of the training including reflective practice, enjoyable activities and access to a wellbeing hub with self-care and grief and bereavement resources – Helps develop a resilient, knowledgeable workforce that will contribute to staff retention. Trainees will be able to understand how dementia may affect people and learn how to communicate and connect with them, how to help bring them joy while undertaking personal care, and so much more. Through these resources , you will learn how to identify a person’s needs and work with their strengths. You will learn to care with confidence throughout all stages of the condition, as well as care for yourself.Being a Finding the Light in Dementia Care™ trained carer means that people can be confident that they or their loved one will be cared for with dignity, understanding, empathy and compassion at all stages of their condition, and that the people who care for them are well, resilient and supported.

Created with people who have dementia, families and caregivers and delivered through films, animations, presentations and podcasts – Accessible, enjoyable, sustainable real-life learning for all learning styles and levels. Despite this, she adds, ‘The book is well researched and seems to cover all the things you need to know to be able to care for your loved one with dementia, as well as it is possible to do so. Initially slightly put off by the cover,’ says Caroline, ‘I was converted by its practicality, sensitivity and relevance.’ ‘There are so many sensible and helpful pieces of advice and ideas, it all needs time to digest and take on board!’ says Marilyn. My book, training and courses have been developed over many years, to help all people living with dementia, their families, staff and caregivers understand how dementia can affect a person, how they experience the world around them and how we can care WITH them. I have built on the work of Tom Kitwood, Abraham Maslowand Martha Rogers in developing the Finding the Light in Dementia Model of Care. The first thing I want you to realise is, that this may not be a normal part of the condition, as other physical conditions and medication may also affect a person’s ability to stay continent. I know caregivers often don’t tend to seek help as they feel embarrassed and conscious of keeping their loved one’s dignity. But it is important to speak to your doctor and ask for a continence assessment for them. This is usually done by a specialist continence nurse who will be able to explore the cause in more detail, offer support and advice that may help and thereby reduce the embarrassment and stigma associated with it.

When using Finding the Light in Dementia you will learn how to care with confidence & know:

If you have a young family you are undoubtedly going to be concerned about how the diagnosis will impact on them. Whilst the news is distressing, children and teens may actually be relieved to know that their loved one’s behaviour is caused by a disease and that they are not the cause. It is better to be open and honest with them so they can continue to feel trust towards you and they may very likely learn how to manage their emotions more effectively when you all pull together. Make sure that you explain to them about the diagnosis in a calm way and give some simple examples of how the dementia may affect your partner, such as forgetting names and losing words. Remember it is important to remind them of all that your partner is still able to do, so that you do not all focus too much on their difficulties. Give them plenty of hugs and reassurance and give them the opportunity to ask questions at all times and to express their feelings. Getting them involved in activities will help them stay connected to your partner and help them feel a sense of usefulness. Focus on what they can do. Finding the Light” is a wonderful book. It should be bought by anyone caring for someone living with dementia, who will find in it a practical handbook for the issues they may encounter, a fund of shared experiences by others, and an uplifting source of inspiration when things are difficult. Finding the Light In Dementia has been invaluable and has helped us know what to do and how. We are currently caring for my 90-year-old Mum together in her home and with all the challenges that Stage 6 Alzheimer’s bring, this book has been a great source of wisdom on how to tailor our approach. We have used the book to provide a consistent approach to her care. All professional home caregivers would also benefit from reading this to enable them to provide the best care possible in their role. It’s also a book that reminds us to look after ourselves!”--Angharad and Anthony Brown, Daughter and Son-in-Law, Family Carers

Caroline Branney, who manages our Dementia Knowledge Centre, warns against making the proverbial mistake about judging books. Mullins, Jane M. Book Review: “Wandering the Wards: An Ethnography of Hospital Care and its Consequences for People Living with Dementia.” (2021): 14713012211054370.

If your partner/loved one has just received a diagnosis of dementia, you are probably both feeling scared and uncertain about what lies ahead. If you have children living at home there will be an added concern about how you and your partner’s roles as parents will change. There is much we can do in stages to get this platform up and running thanks to the selfless help from creative souls such as Tom Tremayne, Jim Rich Film, Julia Powell and Kathryn Davies. So any pledges now are welcome to help build the videos and podcasts. This will include resources to help them cope with the grief and bereavement, and other challenges that they will have experienced due to Covid.