I am a dementia nurse consultant with over 25 years experience of working with people living with the condition and their families. At a time when approx.15.7 million adult family caregivers care for someone who has Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia (Alzheimer's Association, 2015) there is an urgent need to offer support and advice to help people learn to care and cope well. Many have little or no support and struggle to help their loved ones as their condition deteriorates which can impact hugely on their own health too. Dementia can cause changes in memory, communication, mood, the ability to reason and to make decisions. On top of all that, the person may eventually fail to recognise the very people who are closest to them, a devastating effect of the condition. After many years of listening to, caring for and observing people through their illness from diagnosis to the end of their lives I have uncovered ways in which people can learn to stay connected, communicate and live well despite the condition. This has culminated in my book, Finding the Light in Dementia, a Guide for Families, Friends and Caregivers. Here, I explain the common changes that can occur and offer valuable tips, approaches and share stories that can help when caring. Finding the Light offers hope and strength to all affected whether you're a partner, spouse, daughter, son, sibling, friend or parent. This includes using the senses to communicate and music and nature are particular favourites of mine. I would be very happy to share my knowledge, expertise and experience with your listeners. Please contact me at jane@duetcare.co.uk or 44 (0)7954690170
Dr. Jane M. Mullins is a dementia nurse consultant who has devoted over 25 years to the study and practice of dementia care. Through listening to and supporting people and their families during and following their diagnosis in memory clinics, caring for people who have dementia in hospital and in care homes, she has helped people throughout all of the stages of their condition. When managing a Nursing Home, she has supported their transition from home to residential care using life stories as a guide to planning their life and care throughout their remaining years. This has included supporting their partners, families and friends. Her particular passions are finding ways to communicate with people who have dementia through music, art and nature as a way to helping them feel well and valued.
Jane has uncovered certain common features that may help caregivers and the people they care for find better ways of coping, you can find these in her new book: Finding the Light in Dementia, a Guide for Families, Friends and Caregivers. Her extensive practice experience is backed up by expert knowledge gained from keeping up with research, attending conferences, seminars, lecturing and studying for Her PhD; A suitcase full of memories: a sensory ethnography of dementia. She explores sensory, creative and intuitive ways of communicating with those living with dementia. Her passion of spreading the word about how to connect with and help those affected by dementia also shines through in her writing
