MEETINGDEM - Dementia Meeting Centres
Page under construction from 6 June 2016
1 Introduction
- The series promotes Dementia Meeting Centres based on the success of 125 DMCs in Holland. source There are others elsewhere beyond two in the UK.
- The series results from the website author's strong belief in the continuity of the too-few UK DMCs and the creation of more.
- MEETINGDEM is a ... project aimed at implementing and evaluating the innovative Meeting Centers Support Programme (MCSP) for community dwelling people with dementia and their carers. source
- Meeting Centres have been successful in the Netherlands for over ten years. The approach is evidence-based and person-centred, focusing on helping both the individual [the person with dementia] and their family adapt to living with dementia. source [ .. ] added
- Meeting Centres are an innovative way of supporting people with mild to moderate dementia and their families through an evidence-based, person-centred approach. source
- Meeting Centres are designed to provide support to people living with dementia and their families/carers, and offer an enjoyable, flexible and adaptive programme. source
- Dementia care: One of the greatest challenges of family care is caregiving for someone suffering from dementia. As the illness progresses the caregiving burden grows, and the relationship with the care recipient becomes increasingly strained, often resulting in communication problems and conflicts. Social isolation follows. Eventually, many dementia carers need professional help from care services and rely on them to an increasing extent. March 2015 source - p 6 here
- Projections forecast an increase in patient numbers to over 1 million by 2025 and more than 2 million by 2051. p 22 ibid
2 The present
2.1 The UK Meeting Centres are at Droitwich and Leominster. Here is what happens:
2.1.1 Droitwich
Clients
• Recreational and social activities, such as reading the newspaper, painting, singing, preparing lunch and shopping and client-suggested activities
• Training and therapy, such as reminiscence, dance, music and
movement.
Family carers
• Informative meetings.
• Discussion groups.
• Assistance with practical, emotional and social issues.
For both clients with dementia and their carers
• Weekly consulting sessions.
• Social activities and excursions
2.1.2 Leominster
Make Do and Mend. Bring in your mending and polishing
Harp demo and chance to have a go with visiting musician
Take your turn Ceildh / music by members
Gentle exercise that promotes co-ordination and balance
Another visit from a hedgehog for those who missed her
Planning workshop
Woodwind with John, John also plays quite a few instruments, . . , he is offering woodwind sessions to all those interested
“The Games People Play” Old and new Games, played and discussed
Don’t forget that we can eat together any day; £3 per head can be pooled towards a shared meal.
Remember that everyday can be tailored to suit you, the idea on the plan tells you generally what’s on, you can of course use the memory rooms, do your own thing, ie plant outside, cook, read, go shopping, go out for a coffee with other members etc
2.2 DMCs make a feature of person-centred care
The key points of person-centred care are:
- treating the person with dignity and respect
- understanding their history, lifestyle, culture and preferences, including their likes, dislikes, hobbies and interests
- looking at situations from the point of view of the person with dementia
- providing opportunities for the person to have conversations and relationships with other people
- ensuring the person has the chance to try new things or take part in activities they enjoy.