Time for a Cuppa: raising awareness and funds for Admiral Nurses

Posted: 04/03/2020

Time for a Cuppa runs from 1-8 March 2020, and is an initiative organised by Dementia UK.

The event brings together colleagues, neighbours, friends and family over a cup of tea and some cake – with the aim of raising awareness of the need for specialist dementia nurses, Admiral Nurses, along with valuable funds for the service.

Admiral Nurses provide specialist assistance that families faced with dementia need, giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions to problems that they face when a family member has dementia.

There are currently 279 Admiral Nurses working in various settings, and the charity runs a dedicated Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline, which is available to anyone who has questions about dementia, on 0800 888 6678, or by email, helpline@dementiauk.org.

Dementia refers to a range of conditions that lead to a deterioration in brain function. The symptoms include memory loss, behavioural changes, impaired judgement, problems with movement and difficulty controlling emotions. Common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Dementia sufferers can become confused and anxious, particularly in unfamiliar surroundings, and some tips to assist include:

• ask people if they need assistance if they look confused or lost – sometimes a helping hand or an explanation is all people need;
• ask questions and learn about dementia – helping people feel understood and having the confidence to ask questions will gradually help make talking about dementia part of our everyday life;
• take the time to listen to dementia sufferers and their families. Living with dementia should not mean being ignored or left out of conversations;
• be there for carers and loved ones as well as sufferers themselves – caring for, living with and supporting people with dementia can be difficult and tiring. Offering a hand to family members and friends can be valuable too;
• carry on inviting people out after their diagnosis – support can be as simple as continuing to include people in a friendship group.

Emily Hartland, associate in Penningtons Manches Cooper’s clinical negligence team, said: “Dementia can be a frightening diagnosis to receive, both for the patient and for family members. Time for a Cuppa is a valuable opportunity to share experiences, and to raise awareness of the availability of specialist care. Patients with dementia can be amongst the most vulnerable and we should take every opportunity to understand their individual needs.”

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