Dealing with dementia
Watching a loved one grow old can be scary. Add dementia to the mix, and proper care becomes all the more important.
The Island’s ageing population has led to a rise in the number of people affected by the disease.
It’s a trend that has been noted at Westmeath.
Caregivers there are now in the process of raising $100,000 to convert a part of the residential and nursing care home into a purpose-built facility for persons living with dementia.
It’s hoped all necessary changes will be in place by next spring.
In the interim, Westmeath has launched a campaign to help raise awareness and create a dementia-friendly community.
“Dementia is on the rise as we have an ageing population,” said the Pembroke home’s administrator, Chrissie Kempe.
“There’s no special facilities that help families and individuals in need and we have had a dramatic increase in demand for care of individuals living with dementia.
“Westmeath likes to ensure people know they can live well with the right support and the right environment.
“We’re converting a portion of the home into a dementia-friendly space to properly care for individuals living with dementia.
“We feel it’s important but it does require a different level of trained care.
“We have begun [offering that care] but we need to raise funds to ensure we can change the environment to ensure that it’s safe, maximises independence and is comfortable.”
About 80 per cent of residents in nursing homes have a degree of dementia, according to statistics.
“Some are high-functioning, some need minimal support and others are in the later stages,” said Ms Kempe.
“Some can no longer function without around-the-clock care.
“This will be devoted to them.”
Westmeath’s Memory Care Unit will help individuals with dementia through a balance of “safety, healthcare and meaningful, engaging moments”.
“It’s important to have an environment that allows them to do that successfully,” Ms Kempe said. “We want to have an environment that is dementia-friendly and reflects a personal, homelike environment where seniors feel comfortable and have easy access to their living space and things that engage them.
“Whether it’s gardening or reading the newspaper or listening to headphones, we want it to be accessible to them.”
The home is now campaigning to get residents to “Be Dementia Friendly”. Visit www.westmeath.bm for tips on how to support people with dementia and their carers.
“Our hope is to bring awareness to Bermuda how we can all make a difference and support individuals living with dementia in Bermuda,” said Ms Kempe.
“Living well with dementia is possible. We ask you to make a difference with us.”
Saturday sale! Christmas crafts with an ocean theme
By Heather Wood
One-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments, handcrafted items and baked goods — they’re all on offer at Westmeath this weekend.
The Pembroke home will become an artisan market place on Saturday, selling Christmas crafts with an ocean theme.
It’s been dubbed a Coastal Christmas Celebration. It’s a fundraiser for a “much needed” Memory Care Unit planned for Westmeath next spring.
“The fact is that there’s a person diagnosed with dementia somewhere in the world every four seconds,” said administrator Chrissie Kempe. “The myth is there is nothing we can do about this sobering statistic.
“By supporting this event you are making a difference for dementia care in Bermuda. All proceeds will go towards transforming an existing area of Westmeath to create a dedicated Memory Care Unit.”
Raffles for a range of prizes are now on sale at the home for $5.
“This Christmas Celebration promises to put wind in your holiday sails and take you to a seasonal event like no other. Members of the community have been hard at work since spring to create an artisan marketplace where shoppers can sip tea and hot cider while they revel around stalls filled with one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments, unique wreaths, stunning sea shell trees and other handcrafted delights ready for purchase.”
The event takes place from 10am to 4pm at 28 Pitts Bay Road.
