Last night caused me to wonder if I needed to make a radical change to my approach to caring for my wife.  After experiencing a vicious verbal attack I wondered if it would be easier to accept that a more conventional approach to dementia would be sensible.  I have woken early this morning pondering the best way forward and one song springs to mind: We Shall Overcome Them.

I have deliberately chosen Joan Baez version of this song because we saw her in concert over 20 years ago and she probably sang this song.  What we are going to overcome is accepting conventional wisdom in the approach to dementia. I think it is a negative approach to the condition.  From what I have seen in the last year or so the model that is generally being applied to dementia is unhelpful.  I may not be using appropriate professional jargon but my draft manifesto for caring for my wife reads something like this:

• There is uncertainty over damage caused by stroke
• It is possible for the brain to relearn how to function
• Mood is a response to environment
• A psycho social model is the best way of approaching dementia
• The emphasis needs to be on what goes on 24/7 not attending occasional events
• Professional staff need to concentrate on helping carers develop appropriate skills
• Entitlement to support/ benefits needs to be clearly outlined.
• Care Plans need to be reactive and flexible
• Celebrating achievements needs to be the focus rather than watching decline

That will do as a draft Manifesto for the Dementia Party for now.  The date for Annual Conference has yet to be set.