Memory Lane

Dementia is a massively debilitating illness not only affecting the sufferer but also the carer. That’s why Memory Lane was set up, to support the carer as well as providing activities to help stimulate the dementia sufferer.  Covid stopped this.

Lockdown has had such a detrimental effect on dementia sufferers and their carers. There are none of the activities to stimulate sufferers or keep them amused. No peer support to answer questions or to offer advice. Because of the rules of lockdown many of the carers felt isolated and lonely without the support of other carers and the Memory Lane team.  With the dementia sufferers behaviour becoming increasingly challenging as they are confined to their home carers stress levels are rising and causing illness and problems within families. It all has a knock on effect.

Recognising the problems arising during these very trying times the founder of the group set up groups chats on What’s App so carers can chat with others and help sort out problems.  A Facebook live chat has also been set up so anyone can sign on and ask questions. Also from this week there will be craft sessions on line for carers to follow. The internet is a great thing but many people do not know how to use it.

Many carers and dementia suffers were scared to venture out once lockdown was lifted. Carers worried about their loved ones and the dementia sufferer frightened of all the masks that are being worn. Some came to the Memory Lane garden even though it is not officially open they could enjoy the flowers and a chat while socially distancing.

Now we are going back into lock down. Life is difficult enough as it is for those with dementia and their careers but how do you explain lockdown to a 3 year old child because that’s what a dementia sufferer is like. Lockdown for us is scary, tiring, stressful and extremely lonely. If respite is available it means a clear covid test then going into a strange place without seeing any loved ones.

“The internet is a great thing but many people do not know how to use it.”