Gloucester Dementia Action Alliance

22/06/2026

71% of carers say they are already grieving the person they knew while still caring for them.

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone.

When someone close to you develops dementia, both of you may experience a profound sense of loss that can change over time.

Depending on your relationship and circumstances, you may feel you are losing, or have already lost: your relationship with the person; companionship, support and special understanding; a particular lifestyle; intimacy with the person; freedom to work or take part in other activities; communication between you; future plans; and the person themselves.

You may grieve for a short time as you experience these changes, or grief can be ongoing.

Your feelings of grief may also change or go back and forth over time.

Feelings of loss and grief might make it harder for you to cope with caring.

Some of the changes you both go through can be harder to process than the person’s death.

It’s important to acknowledge any feelings you have and try not to feel guilty about them. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.

[Image description: A graphic titled 'Grieving a person with dementia can feel like you’re losing or have already lost...' depicts a person sat down, holding their knees towards their chest, as if something is troubling them. They are surrounded by short sentences describing the the different types of 'loss', which include: Intimacy with the person; Your relationship with the person; Companionship, support and special understanding; A particular lifestyle; Freedom to work or take part in other activities; Communication between you; Future plans; and The person. An Alzheimer's Society logo can be seen in the bottom left corner.]

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

28/05/2026

All are welcome to come along to our public health & wellbeing event for 2026...which is confirmed for Wednesday 1st July. See below for full details!

26/05/2026

Redirection

26/05/2026

26/05/2026

The Bank Holiday heatwave is here 🔥

Hot weather can cause discomfort and a risk of dehydration for people living with dementia, and an amber heat alert is in place across parts of the country this weekend.

If you’re supporting someone with dementia, here are a few things that can help:

Make sure the person is dressed appropriately. Try light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres.

Keep the house as cool as possible. Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day - especially in south-facing rooms. In the evening, open the windows to let the warm air out and the colder air in.

Avoid the midday sun. Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm). Seek out plenty of shade and reapply sunscreen regularly when out.

Find ways to cool off. Help them take a cool bath or shower. Place a washcloth and some iced water nearby to dab themselves with.

Stay hydrated. Leave beakers or jugs of water within easy reach. Provide high-water-content foods like ice lollies, jelly, ice cream, soup, and fruit such as melon.

Ask friends and neighbours to pop in and check the person is ok if you don’t live near them. Perhaps the visitor could stay, have a drink with the person, and make sure the person has everything they need.

📢 Please share so we can keep everyone living with dementia safe in the heat.

26/05/2026

Gloucester Dementia Action Alliance with the Gloucester Dementia Choir Managing Memory - Information & Education Service - IES Age UK Gloucestershire Alzheimer's SocietyGloucestershire Libraries Home Instead Gloucester and The Forest of Dean. Having fun singing some favourite songs.

26/05/2026

Last Friday working in partnership with Gloucester Dementia Choir, as well as several agencies, we had a great time singing and listening to what’s on offer to residents with Dementia and for their Carers. We also had John sharing his experience looking after his wife who had dementia.
We also have some scrumptious cakes 🧁 🍰 made by Wriggly Charity. Thanks to Tesco St Oswald’s Community Champion for the generous donation of refreshments 🍪☕️
Below are some photos taken on the day.


Gloucester Dementia Choir
Managing Memory - Information & Education Service - IES
Gloucestershire Libraries
Mindsong Alzheimer's Society
Home Instead Gloucester and The Forest of Dean Age UK Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire Carers Hub
Gloucestershire Dementia Action Alliance - Countywide

21/05/2026

Dementia Action Week 2026💙

This Dementia Action Week, we’re focusing on the importance of staying well and staying social for people living with dementia.

At Active Gloucestershire, we know that being active and connected can make a real difference - supporting physical health, boosting confidence, and reducing feelings of isolation.

We’re encouraging our communities, partners and organisations to take action by:
✅ Creating opportunities for people to stay active and stay well
✅ Supporting inclusive activities that help people stay social and connected
✅ Building welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued

From gentle walks to local community sessions, small actions can have a big impact💙

👉 Find out more and get involved: https://ow.ly/j5jE50Z2hGJ