Care providers have been marking World Alzheimer’s Day by sharing their experiences of supporting those living with Alzheimer’s.

Friends of the Elderly‘s Dementia Education Programme, created in partnership with the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies and Professor Dawn Brooker, has trained 66 Dementia Champions across the charity’s care homes and day care services.

Mark Wilson, Friends of the Elderly’s chief operating officer, said: “Our Dementia Champions spend time with every resident or day care client they support, they find out about their backgrounds, interests and hobbies which forms a solid foundation. A bond is made and trust is built. A resident or client living with dementia may not remember their Dementia Champion’s name, but they know they are there to help and support them.”

“Friends of the Elderly’s Dementia Champion training has given me the understanding to be able to see things more clearly through the eyes of our residents living with dementia,” said Monika Ahmed, Dementia Champion at Bernard Sunley residential, nursing and dementia care home in Woking, Surrey.  “To see the look of happiness on someone’s face, bringing a person out of their shell and by being a friend that can understand and help them live a fuller, happier life is so rewarding.”

Meanwhile Care UK used World Alzheimer’s Day to explain the differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that affect a person’s memory, way of thinking, and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases

Suzanne Mumford, head of nursing, care and dementia at Care UK, said: “Understanding the differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia is critical for an accurate diagnosis and providing appropriate care. By educating ourselves and others, we can provide better support to individuals and their families who are affected by these conditions.”