Honored to be Guest Judge- Images to promote memories and reminiscing - Via Dr Terri Porrett and Roy Lilly

Hi 

With great thanks to Dr Terri Porrett  @gbtpo & Roy Lilley @RoyLilley for the kind invite and great Honor to be the guest Judge on the 'Images to promote memories and reminiscing' Project 

 Dr Terri Porrett ( @gbtpo) & Roy Lilley (@RoyLilley ) set up the website www.academyoffabulousartstuff.com a couple of months ago. The website is a not for profit venture which raises money for designated charities by making images available for download. Both Terri 

and Roy  have a gallery and there is a guest gallery.

 People share photographs and sketches with them,which they place on the guest gallery,each month there are  themed projects with the winners receiving a FabArt badge.

The current project 'Images to promote memories and reminiscing' arose from a reflective piece Dr Terri wrote 

" I wrote about the impact that images from the website had in promoting memories and conversation for my mother and some of her friends. Roy then also wrote about the subject in his letter. The response to the reflection was somewhat overwhelming and produced a lot of positive discussion about the importance of stimulating individuals with dementia to promote memories and conversation about their lives and experiences."

Myself and the Dementia Carer Voices team are very honored and looking forward to viewing,receiving and Judging the inspiring images 

Tommy    

people have until 16.00 on the 30th Jan to submit their contributions.

you can view the images and get  more information at the link Here

3 talks Families - Well-being Directorate Warrington Borough Council -Monday - Tuesday

With great Thanks yto Teresa Dawson, CEO and Sandra Boldison, Head of Adult Services Support Team Families & Wellbeing Directorate in Warrington Borough Council for the invite back to give talks 3  to staff across the area January 26 & 27th 

The talks will be open to all and including Dementia Action Alliance Steering Group which is made up of people from various agencies eg Warrington Council, Alzheimer’s Society, residential homes

I had the great privilege to give two talks at The Werburgh’s Development Centre Warrington on 24th October 2014 at the end of last year  The two talks were to an audience of Social Workers, Care at Home Support Teams and Adult Services Support Team Families & Wellbeing Directorate

Thank you  Teresa ,Sandra and all concerned for the kind invite back  and here are the wonderful pledges from both talks in Warrington that day

Tommy 

I also had the  great privilege to speak in Warrington last year at the Warrington Hospital Dementia Conference 

Tomorrow Great honor to attend- speak MAKING A DIFFERENCE IS #6Csy

With great thanks to Joan Pons Laplana Proud Nurse, NHS Change Day Hubbie Care maker and friend for the kind invite ,honor to attend and speak at MAKING A DIFFERENCE IS #6Csy Leicester Racecourse January 23rd 

Joan had put together a very exciting and inspirational day and I am very honored to be invited to speak alongside such inspiring people 

I have followed Joan on Twitter for a log time now and you can too @thebestjoan 

Joan has also kindy put together a post about the day along with details on how to register 

The Booking system for the event has gone live!! Hurray!!

https://eventbrite.co.uk/event/14748028751

As a East Midlands Care Maker Coordinator I want to take the 6cs to the frontline and inspire them to adopt them as a values and inspire them to become a better healthcare worker.

For that reason Maria Davison, Emma Pownell and myself have organized with the support from NHS England East Midlands and the 6cs Live office and conference design specifically for frontline staff.

We have design an event that hopefully will reignite their passion for the 6cs and the NHS. The event will take place next Friday 23rd January at Leicester Race Course and the speaker line up is absolutely amazing.

Here is the final programme:

My aim is for every delegate to encourage to take an action before leaving the event and I thought to encourage to join one of the fantastic opportunities that delegates will have the change to take. Will be plenty of stands at the foyer. The Leadership Academy, Health Education East Midlands, Patients Opinion, NHS Change Day, NHS Employers, 6C live, Mary Seacola Statue Appeal, and many more...


.
Let´s make the NHS 6Csy!!

Many thanks.

Joan Pons Laplana
Proud Nurse, NHS Change Day Hubbie and Care maker 

Guest Blog -Shelagh Creegan -The AHP Pledge TreeNHSTayside #MakingADifference

                                           

Hi 

With great thanks to my dear friend Shelagh Creegan Associate AHP Director for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Tayside for this months guest blog on the wonderful AHP Pledge tree Tayside

You can follow Shelagh on Twitter @ShelaghAHP and below  The  the AHP Pledge Tree

   

                                                The story of the AHP Pledge Tree

“Thank you @ShelaghAHP for starting the living tree with pledges from Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in NHS Tayside … it brought a smile to my heart.”

Tommy Whitelaw shared these sentiments on Twitter after he and I met for the first time on 15 October 2014 at Abertay University, Dundee.

Tommy was speaking to 1st year mental health nursing students about his experience of being a full time carer for his mum, Jan.  Jan had dementia.  Through telling his story from the heart, I watched Tommy lay solid foundations of compassionate care for this next generation of impressionable nursing students by requesting that they:

• Get to know the person with dementia as an individual...  

• Make the effort to find out who the person really is...

Easy requests to fulfill you may think.

Yet the evidence suggests that caring for a person with dementia in a busy hospital environment, or when visiting the person at home, it can be challenging for health care professionals to get personalised care right.

Tommy's mum was christened Joan but his Dad had always called her Jan … and that was how she was known to all who knew and loved her.  So it was a giveaway as to how well a health care professional knew his mum as to whether she was referred to as “Joan” or “Jan.”

Paul Gray, Chief Executive, NHS Scotland is supportive of all NHS staff getting behind Tommy's campaign http://tommy-on-tour-2011.blogspot.com/2014/10/paul-gray-chief-exec-nhs-scotland.html?spref=tw  

But Tommy's story mirrors that of my best friend who happens to be an occupational therapist.  Like me she lives in Tayside.  Like Tommy, my friend gave up her career to care for her mum who also had a diagnosis of dementia.

My friend's mum had two wishes:  

1. To stay at home  

2. To die a dignified death  

My friend made sure her mum got both her wishes and … she gave her mum so much more. They went out and about every day to enjoy the weather whatever the season.  Her mum never missed out on the experience of having rain splash down her face or wind blow through her hair … to make a snowball with her hands or to rub sunscreen on her face and arms.  

My friend provided tailor made activities at home as well as taking her mum to activities of interest provided in the local community.  Art classes (which she took up in her 8th decade of life), church, scottish country dancing (until her knees gave up), all sorts of crafts …

And her mum always looked and smelled her best ...

Friends and family came and went to keep her mum socially connected.

And when my friend's mum had admissions to an acute hospital, my friend made a point of explaining to staff who her mum was, her likes and dislikes.  She stayed to help out at meal times … to play her part alongside the ward staff in keeping her mum well fed and hydrated...

As you may guess from these stories I think carers like Tommy and my friend are, in my humble opinion, true heroes...

So when Tommy contacted me on Twitter with a request to recruit Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in Tayside, Scotland to support his campaign … well, how could I refuse?  

Growing the AHP Pledge Tree 

There are excellent resources available to support AHPs, and indeed all health and social care professionals, in making a pledge to provide the best care and treatment for people with dementia in a range of  homely environments.

1.  NHS Dementia continuing care units

Recommended reading would comprise the reports from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland Older and wiser (2007) and Dignity and respect: dementia continuing care visits (2014).

For occupational therapists, I would specifically draw their attention to the Tailored Activity Programme (2009), an approach proven to work by academic research.

2.  NHS Acute General Hospitals

Recommended reading comprises 3 new publications for Allied Health Professionals (2014):

I

• Agents of change

• Living well with dementia

• Living well with community support

These three reports published by the Scottish Government and Alzheimer Scotland share examples of the innovative work that allied health professionals are undertaking to support people with dementia, their partners, carers and families. 

3.  Care Homes

​

Recommended reading would be the publication “Make Every Moment Count:  A guide for everyday living”   Evaluation of “Make Every Moment Count” (2014).  

The resource pack “Make Every Moment Count” (MEMC) was developed by the Care Inspectorate in partnership with several other organisations across Scotland, for Care Homes for older people and the Care at Home services in Scotland.  

The aim of the resource is to encourage everyone providing care to older people to integrate the “make every moment count” approach into every interaction with older people and in all aspecs of their care.

The approach means valuing each person by getting to know them, helping them feel cared for, supported and safe, and recognising the importance of the small things that improve quality of life and quality of care.

4.  Dementia Carer Voices - Tommy on tour campaign

Tommy has already spoken at a Dementia Study Day for Podiatrists in Tayside on 19 November 2014.  He returns to the east coast of Scotland on 4 February 2015 to share his experience as a carer with more AHPs, this time, in Dundee.

On each visit, Tommy invites the audience to pledge to #makeadifference and help grow the AHP pledge tree.  This living tree symbolises enduring strength, ambition or wishes fulfilled, family, blessings of nature, good fortune, stability, shelter and security.

The final words of this blog belong to Tommy who says:

“I just love the tree … I cant stop smiling … Let's help the AHP Pledge Tree to grow!”

References (links accessed 19.10.14)

http://letstalkaboutdementia.wordpress.com/2014/09 

Make Every Moment Count, http://www.scwis.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8196&Itemid=766

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland. http://www.mwcscot.org.uk/publications

The National Delivery Plan for the Allied Health Professions in Scotland, 2012-2015. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/9095

Scotland's National Dementia Strategy 2013-2016. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Services/Mental-Health/Dementia

3 new publications for AHPs in Scotland

http://www.alzscot.org/news_and_community/news/3197_three_new_publications_for_allied_health_professions

The Tailored Activity Programme to reduce behavioural symptoms in individuals with dementia (2009)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.pmc/articles/PMC2682173/

                                                      Pledge wall Abertay University 

                           

                                        

                                        

First talk 2015 with wonderful Southside connect Seniors forum

Hi

My make difference tour got off to a great start today with the first talk of 2015 at  Southside connect Seniors forum in the Dixons Halls Glasgow

 It was so wonderful to sit and listen to the group before speaking  at their first meeting this year speaking about the work they do in their local community

In fact my  talk changed after listening to the passion and desire they have to support each other and the wider community  tackling issues such as loneliness  isolation and the community development as a whole

 My talk was more of a celebration of the voluntary work they do and the celebration of difference we can all make

feeling inspired after a  great morning and once again confirms it truly is all about people and relationships

A big thank you to Anne Scott and all the committee for the opportunity  to attend  

                                                 

Thanks for reading my blog, You can now view my 8 short flims here! http://tommy-on-tour-2011.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/my-mums-name-was-joan-this-is-our-story.html

Campaign Tells Staff You Can Make A Difference 2015 #Dementia #Caring

The Health and Social Care ALLIANCE’s Dementia Carer Voices project is continuing the exciting  campaign started  2014 over 2015  calling upon  Health and Social Care professionals to consider how they can assist people with dementia and their carers.

The team will continue taking the ‘You Can Make A Difference’  campaign to staff across the country to highlight that no matter what their role, everyone working in Health and Social Care Services has the potential to transform the lives and experiences of people with dementia and their carers, often in seemingly small ways. Staff will be given the opportunity to reflect on carer’s personal stories and make a pledge based on one key message or action that they will take away and apply to their everyday practice to make a difference. 

Some of the pledges received so far include;
“I pledge to listen with open ears and and open heart.”
“I pledge to view the person I care for as all that they have been, they are and all that they can be.”
“I pledge to take the time to speak to the person’s family and provide support to make their lives as fulfilling as possible.”

Tommy Whitelaw, Dementia Carer Voices Project Engagement Lead, said: 
“Carers tell us that a little bit of time, listening and understanding can make an unimaginable difference during what can be a very difficult and lonely journey. In my case it was a district nurse who not only gave me practical advice about how to take care of my mum, but sat down, put her arm around me and told me ‘You’re doing all right. You can make that difference.”

2014 has been the most amazing year. I have had the great privilege to meet so many amazing, caring, inspiring people IN PERSON on my 187 talk tour across the country on twitter via our Dementia Carer voices Blog and my own TommyOnTour blog. I am looking forward to continuing this tour over 2015 

I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people and have had many emotional journeys home late at night from talks thinking back to all that happened each day; the people I have met and the inspirational 2765 personal pledges that have been made 

Irene Oldfather, Director, the ALLIANCE said:
 “This work reaches out and touches the hearts of many people, not least Health and Social Care students and professionals. These interactions are an ideal opportunity for staff to pause and reflect on what is really important to the people in their care.  Make a pledge, make a difference.”

For more information on the campaign and to find out how you can submit your pledge, visit 

dementiacarervoices.wordpress.com 

Advanced Dementia Consultation – we want to hear your views Feb 3rd St Mary’s Church Irvine

Dementia Carer Voices will be holding a consultation event on Tuesday 3rd February at St Mary’s Church in Irvine on Alzheimer Scotland’s development of a community support model for people with advanced dementia.

Their draft proposal suggests using the 8 Pillars Model of Community Support as a basis and explores the different types of approaches to care, along with the phases and symptoms of advanced dementia. The paper is available in full at www.alzscot.org/campaigning/advanced_dementia_model

Dementia Carer Voices will be hosting a discussion around these topics in Irvine on 3rd February and would like to hear the views of people living with dementia, their families and carers and any other interested parties. As places are limited, preference will be given to people who have had some experience of, or a particular interest in advanced dementia. (Carer, former Carer, neighbour, friend, family member). Professionals can attend if places permit, and are encouraged to bring Carers with them.

Tea and coffee will be available from 10.45am at St Mary’s Church Hall, with discussions beginning at 11am. A small sandwich lunch will be provided.

To find out more information, or to register your interest, please contact:

Laura McCulloch – Administrator on 0141 404 0233 or via email at laura.mcculloch@alliance-scotland.org.uk

The flyer is available for download here – Advanced Dementia Consultation Flyer

Guest Blog -Natasha Wilson Listening, Language and Love Stories

Hi

                                  Welcome to the first viewpoint for 2015 

I am delighted to share this viewpoint from my dear Twitter friend Natasha Wilson 

Hi 

I've always known that working in the social care sector would come with many ups & downs. Every day is different and often you are faced with challenges and circumstances beyond your control. I have also always known, that working with older people is something I am meant to do, for whatever reason. It is my vocation & I love it. Below is just one of many examples I could offer, about working with older people, and those who have Dementia. I'd like to think it could encourage others to at least consider a career working with such wonderful people. It's a true privilege. There are many stories of awful experiences in care homes, but I'd like to counteract that with a positive.

A few months ago whilst at the care home I volunteer at, I sat with a 90 year old wonderfully funny and fiercely independent lady, who also has Dementia. I know all about her fascinating life from speaking to her previously, but I know telling these stories brings her great joy and pride, and so I sat and reacted like it was the first time I had heard her amazing stories. She told me again about her younger years in Germany and about her German side of the family. Out of pure curiosity, I then asked her if she ever had to learn to speak German. "Oh of course!" was the reply. 

In that moment, she started recalling the numbers 1-10 in German. It was a splendid moment. I asked her if she would try to teach me, so I could boast about it mainly! We both laughed and then spent a good amount of time going through the numbers. She would say them, I would repeat, and we would start over again. 

                                                 

We laughed at how terrible & "Yorkshire" my German sounded and laughed even harder when I asked if she knew any rude words ("yes, as they are the most important ones" she assured me!) Other residents were also getting involved and laughing along with us, recalling school memories of learning the language. Care staff who occasionally listened in to our conversations looked astonished that this lady could recall and be in such good command of a different language. It made me wonder how many other amazing skills, talents & assets were not sought out because of the overarching assumptions based on ageism. Cooks, teachers, tailors, mechanics, artists... All buried beneath grey hair, wrinkled faces and a diagnosis of Dementia. Never beckoned out, recognised or praised. 

Assumptions & stereotypes are very damaging, and so I urge anybody to be more open minded the next time they talk to a person with Dementia.

...And just to prove that I was listening properly; eins, sfvie, dry, (can't remember!), foomf, (can't remember!), seeban, oct.... That's about it, I'll revise harder next time! 

Natasha M Wilson
Twitter: @N_Wilson94

Assistant Coordinator of The South Yorkshire Dementia Creative Arts Exhibition

This October I did the 'Memory Walk' for the Alzheimer's Society. Please click the link if you would like to sponsor me - http://www.justgiving.com/natashas-memory-walk-for-the-alzsoc

Dementia Friends Champion - Contact to arrange information session delivery.

Thanks for reading my blog, You can now view my 8 short flims here! http://tommy-on-tour-2011.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/my-mums-name-was-joan-this-is-our-story.html

DCV poster at National Conference and Graduation Event for Cohort 5Dementia Champions

Hi 

With great thank  to Fiona Murray Project Officer  NMAHP and the tam from NHS Education for Scotland for the kind invite to display our poster at the 

Promoting Excellence in Dementia Care and Support National Conference and Graduation Event for

Cohort 5 Dementia Champions Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh January 28th 

We are very honored to be attending and displaying our pledge posters at this celebration 

Tommy 

                             

    

Self Management Network Scotland website now LIVE

Self Management Network Scotland website now LIVE

The first thing we want you to know about the Self Management Network Scotland is that we need you. 

We know that there is a huge amount of exciting and innovative work around self management being carried out in Scotland and we know that you are the leaders in this. In order to capture, share and improve lives with this work, we have developed the Self Management Network Scotland.

So who are we?

We are the Self Management Partnership and Practice Programme.

Based at the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), the Self Management Partnership and Practice Programme grew out of recognition of the learning being generated by Self Management IMPACT Funded projects. In order to share the learning, good practice and innovative ideas being developed, this programme will work to develop self management across Scotland and facilitate your conversations about self management.

Explore the site to read our latest posts highlighting what is happening in Scotland now. To contribute, learn from others and attend our events:

Join the Self Management Network Scotland today! 

Thanks for reading my blog, You can now view my 8 short flims here! http://tommy-on-tour-2011.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/my-mums-name-was-joan-this-is-our-story.html

Guest posts

Hello and thank you 

I am looking to share as many people's thoughts- feelings - stories - initiatives as possible this year 

Along the themes  ( does not have to be Dementia specific) 

What matters to you ?

Who matters you you ? 

Life stories - love stories 

I have a few examples below taken from our DCV site ( and my tommy on tour blog ) 

Share the story and at the end. with your details Twitter - personal blog and so on ,so as people can keep following you and your story after reading the post on my site 

I will do my my very best to share as far and wide as possible 

If we all share how we feel our stories we might just encourage others

Helps let  people know that they are not alone 

There are examples below for previous guest spots b

Always helps to send photos and images to go with the piece ( I can incert and format this end ) 

You can e mail me tommy.whitelaw@alliance-Scotland.org.uk 

Guest posts Thank you very much for you interest in writing a guest blog for my tommy on tour and our Dementia Carer Voices website. There are some examples below of past Viewpoint pieces, which give an indication of length, however this is quite flexible. We would ask that it does not contain advertising for any resources that are not freely accessible to everybody. http://dementiacarervoices.wordpress.com/category/viewpoint-blog-posts/

We have had some heartfelt pieces from people who have a loved one with dementia, such as student nurse Gemma who wrote about her relationship with her grandmother, Rose.

We have also had some fantastic from various health and social care professionals such as Gill Ryan writing an informative piece about the Equal Partners in Care work and Professor Fiona McQueen who wrote very passionately about the campaign from a personal perspective.