Social Groups for People with Dementia

MrsMoose

Registered User
Oct 1, 2014
169
0
Have any of you had success in encouraging the person you care for to join groups of this short.

When my father in law was diagnosed, the dementia nurse told him that there was a local group where he'd be welcome.

He rejected the idea.

He's becoming ever more isolated. (This is partly because of hearing loss, and also because he can't remember how to put in his hearing aid.)

It seems a bit of a longshot thinking that he might be persuaded to join a group. (Even when well, he was an unsociable man.) But there are things he does enjoy - old films, cakes etc - so we were wondering if it was worth finding out more about our local group's activities.
 

fizzie

Registered User
Jul 20, 2011
2,725
0
Hi there
My ma was quite resistant but actually enjoyed her lunch club as time went on and it was a life saver for me!!
There are memory cafes where the carer and the person with memory loss go together, have a coffee and chat and a laugh - perhaps he would agree to go with you (if you told him you didn't want to go alone!)

Or, in the case of my Ma, she went along once or twice on a try it and see basis and then found someone she really liked and it became a good trip! He may find another chap who he has things in common with and then you could find it is a winner!

Groups worked for us so i'm a big fan but i realise that isn't so for everyone
Good luck x
 

JigJog

Registered User
Nov 6, 2013
236
0
My husband was unwilling to go to any groups which mentioned Alzheimer's as he was in denial. He was diagnosed soon after moving here and knew no one. He was becoming increasingly isolated and lonely. I needed to be a bit more subtle.

Our first group was Soup and a Song, similar to Singing for the Brain. No mention of Alzheimer's, just a good sing song and a spot of lunch with local folks. I held my breath; he loved it.

Our next group was an Age Uk Fit for the Future group. Chair and balance exercises with people aged 60 - 95. He loved it.

Next I tried him with a lunch club for over 55s. We don't go for the preceeding talk, just the lunch but another success.

I then tried him with the community tea run by the local primary school. Afternoon tea and a spot of entertainment from the children. This is only every half term but he is out and socialising.

He has recently been to a local Memory Cafe. I didn't dwell on the 'memory' part, just chance to go out for tea and cake and a chance to meet others.

His mood has improved so much and he is so much happier.

It doesn't have to be support groups, there may be other things going on in your community that you can tap into.

Good luck x