Between 1st and 8th May, Dementia UK will be encouraging people across the country to get together to host a Time for a Cuppa event to help support families affected by dementia.
This will be the 16th Time for a Cuppa fundraiser and ahead of it the charity have provided some tips on making the event fully dementia-inclusive whether it takes place at home, at work, or in care homes.
Hannah Gardner, Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People at Dementia UK, said: ‘Hosting dementia-inclusive events can be a great way to bring together people of all ages including care staff, families and children.
‘If you’re planning on hosting a Time for a Cuppa event, try to incorporate some activities that everyone can enjoy whilst sitting down and having a cup of tea, for example arts and crafts or a board game like Snakes and Ladders.
‘It’s important that the person living with dementia feels included in the fun, so it can help to focus on activities they can do and enjoy, rather than what they can’t.’
Tips for making an event dementia-inclusive:
- Try to avoid hosting an event in the late afternoon or evening when people living with dementia might be tired or are more likely to experience ‘sundowning’ – some people with dementia experience a growing sense of agitation or anxiety at this time.
- Greet guests when they arrive at the event and explain what is happening in a clear and simple way
- Put up clear signage, for example you could stick a picture of a toilet to the toilet door to help people find it more easily
- Where possible, try to keep distractions in the room to a minimum and turn off the TV and radio
- Use visual aids to help stimulate memories, if you’re hosting a Time for a Cuppa event you could look back over old photos whilst enjoying a cup of tea and a piece of cake
- Have an alternative activity available if a person living with dementia doesn’t want to take part in the event
Funds raised during the Time for a Cuppa event will go to increasing the number of Dementia UK specialist nurses – known as Admiral Nurses. The nurses offer advice and support to anyone affected by dementia through Dementia UK’s free national Helpline, and also offer support in person and online through clinics, as well as in the community, in GP practices, hospitals, and care homes.
Sign up for a free Time for a Cuppa fundraising pack here: dementiauk.org/timeforacuppa.