Dementia Positive Pendle

07/09/2026

💻 Exciting News!

We're delighted to announce the launch of our Virtual Dementia Hub on Wednesday 2 September 2026, from 5pm to 6pm.

This month's topic is Power of Attorney, and we're pleased to welcome Ellen Fay of Ellen Fay Solicitors as our guest speaker.

The session will cover:
✅ What a Power of Attorney is
✅ The different types available
✅ Why it's important to have one in place
✅ The responsibilities of an attorney
✅ How to set one up
✅ Common myths and misconceptions

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable advice from an expert in estate planning.

Whether you're planning for the future or supporting a loved one living with dementia, this informative session is not to be missed. Our Virtual Dementia Hub will take place on the first Wednesday of every month, with each session covering a different topic. A programme of topics for the next 12 months is being planned and will be announced in due course. 💙

Scan the QR code to join the meeting or contact us on 0300 303 1234 for the link. 🔗

07/09/2026

🎶 The Transformative Power of Music

For someone living with dementia, a familiar song can unlock memories, bring back feelings and create precious moments of connection, helping families feel like they have their loved one “back”, even if only for a little while. ❤️

So, what was your grandparent’s favourite music? Beethoven or the Beach Boys, Bob Marley or Bob Dylan? Finding out could help spark memories, conversations and special moments together.

Visit the Music for Dementia website for more ideas and top tips on using music to support someone living with dementia.

07/09/2026

20/08/2026

Dementia isn't a single condition. It's an umbrella term for a range of symptoms caused by different diseases that affect the brain in different ways.

Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia are among the most common types of dementia. Because they each affect different parts of the brain, the symptoms can vary from person to person.

While memory problems are often associated with dementia, some people may experience changes in thinking, language, behaviour, concentration, movement or perception.

This guide highlights some symptoms linked to different types of dementia, but it’s also important to remember that no two people experience dementia in the same way.

By understanding the different signs of dementia, including those that are less well known, we can help more people recognise changes early and access a diagnosis and support sooner.

[Image description:
A graphic split into four different sections illustrates common symptoms associated with Vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies and Frontotemporal dementia. From top left to bottom right:

Central text reads, 'Alzheimer's disease.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Difficulties with thinking and reasoning; Language problems; Memory problems; Changes to how you see and hear things; Getting lost in a familiar place; Mood changes.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.

Central text reads, 'Vascular dementia.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Problems planning and organising; Short periods of sudden confusion; Slower speed of thought; Problems concentrating; Trouble following a series of steps; Problems with memory and language.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.

Central text reads, 'Dementia with Lewy bodies.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Tremors; Depression and anxiety; Hallucinations; Swinging between alertness and sleepiness; Trouble concentrating; Difficulties with walking and movement.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.

Central text reads, 'Frontotemporal dementia.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Socially inappropriate behaviour; Personality changes; Problems with language; Eating or drinking excessively; Repetitive or obsessive behaviour; Trouble planning and organising.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.]

20/08/2026

30/07/2026

Iʼm raising money to support , multiple community projects and charities in Pendle East. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

25/06/2026

Protect loved ones by providing essential information with the Herbert Protocol, a risk reduction tool for swift response and peace of mind.

25/06/2026

Changes in Judgment or Decision-Making Can Be Early Signs of Dementia

Dementia does not always begin with forgetfulness. Sometimes, it begins with changes in judgment, decision-making, awareness, and safety.

A person who was once careful with money may begin making poor financial decisions. They may give money away impulsively, buy things they do not need, fall for scams, forget to pay bills, or make unusual choices that are completely out of character.

A person who once took pride in their appearance may begin neglecting personal hygiene. They may wear the same clothes repeatedly, avoid bathing, forget grooming routines, or not notice when something needs attention. This is not always stubbornness or laziness. Sometimes, the brain is struggling to plan, sequence, remember, or understand why the task matters.

There may also be less awareness of safety. They may leave the stove on, walk out without proper clothing, open the door to strangers, drive when it is no longer safe, misuse appliances, or attempt tasks that now carry risk.

For families, these changes can be frightening and frustrating. You may find yourself saying, “They would never have done this before,” or “Why can’t they see the danger?” But dementia can affect insight, the ability to recognize risk, understand consequences, and make safe choices.

This is why compassion and safety planning must go together.
Instead of only correcting or arguing, try to simplify choices, reduce risks, supervise sensitive tasks, secure finances, label important areas, create routines, and involve healthcare professionals when safety becomes a concern.

Behind poor judgment, there may be a brain struggling to process consequences.
Behind impulsive spending, there may be confusion or vulnerability.
Behind poor hygiene, there may be difficulty starting or completing tasks.
Behind unsafe choices, there may be reduced awareness not intentional defiance.
Dementia changes more than memory. It can change judgment, confidence, reasoning, and decision-making.

Early awareness helps families protect dignity while also planning for safety.
The goal is not to shame the person.
The goal is to understand what is changing and support them with patience, structure, and love. 💜

24/06/2026

Dementia Through Their Eyes: Understanding Their Reality, Responding with Compassion.

Dementia changes more than memory. It changes the way the world is experienced. Familiar faces may seem unfamiliar, rooms may feel strange, and time may lose its usual order. To someone living with dementia, the past and present can blend together, creating a reality that is often confusing and unpredictable.

A person with dementia may look at a family member and see not only who stands before them today, but also memories from decades ago. They may search for a parent who has long since passed away, believing they are still alive. A house they have lived in for years may suddenly feel like a place they have never seen before.

Simple objects can become difficult to recognize. Shadows may appear threatening. Patterns on carpets may look like obstacles. A crowded room can feel overwhelming because the brain struggles to process the many sights, sounds, and movements happening at once.

Yet dementia does not erase all feelings. Even when names are forgotten, emotions often remain. A gentle touch can bring comfort. A familiar song can awaken memories. A kind voice can create a sense of safety. While details may fade, the experience of love, fear, joy, and loneliness often remains deeply felt.

To understand what dementia sees is to recognize that the person is not merely forgetting. They are navigating a world that no longer makes sense in the way it once did. Patience, compassion, and understanding can help bridge the gap between their reality and ours.

Dementia changes what a person sees, remembers, and understands, but it does not change their need for dignity, connection, and care.

24/06/2026

💜 REPEATING QUESTIONS IN DEMENTIA 💜

“When are we leaving?”
“Where is my mother?”
“What time is my appointment?”

If you’ve heard the same question 10 times today, you’re not alone.

Most people living with dementia are not repeating themselves on purpose. Changes in the brain can make it difficult to store and retrieve new information. The answer may be forgotten within moments, making the question feel brand new each time.

What helps?

✨ Answer calmly, as if it’s the first time.
✨ Use clocks, calendars, and visual reminders.
✨ Redirect gently when needed.
✨ Focus on the emotion behind the question.
✨ Offer reassurance before correction.

Sometimes repeated questions are not really about information. They may be asking:

• Am I safe?
• Am I okay?
• Are you staying with me?
• Can I trust this moment?

Behind many repeated questions is a need for comfort, connection, and reassurance.

Your patience matters.
Your presence matters.
Your calm becomes their comfort.

💙 Love is stronger than memory.

🏡 Dementia Care at Home

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