Living Well with Dementia ft LivDem | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #12

In this episode, Anna is joined by two distinguished guests: Rick Chesterton, a Professor of Dementia Research at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol, and Dr. Emily Dodds, a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing at UWE Bristol. Rick shares his journey into dementia research, which began in 1990 when he started working as a clinical psychologist with dementia patients. Over the years, his interest grew, and he began running groups and conducting research to better understand and support those living with dementia. He emphasises the importance of group settings where individuals can share their experiences and coping strategies, which he believes can be very beneficial.

Rick and his colleague, Ian Marshall, developed a course called "Living Well with Dementia," which has evolved over the years. This course is designed to help individuals with dementia and their families navigate the challenges they face by providing a structured yet flexible approach to discussing and managing the condition. The course spans eight weeks and covers various aspects of living with dementia, from everyday frustrations to strategies for maintaining a good quality of life.

Emily Dodds discusses her career path, which started with a degree in psychology and a dissertation on dementia and Alzheimer's. She initially worked as a support worker for people living with dementia before transitioning into mental health and public health. Emily's personal connection to dementia through her grandparents, who lived in Cornwall, has fueled her passion for the field. She highlights the importance of community and the supportive role of the Living Well with Dementia course.

The course, Rick explains, is based on the principle that talking about dementia can be incredibly difficult and often avoided. By bringing people together who share similar experiences, the course creates a safe space where individuals can discuss their everyday challenges and emotions related to dementia. The approach is gradual, starting with more general topics and slowly delving into more specific aspects of dementia. This method helps participants feel more comfortable and supported as they open up about their experiences.

Rick and Emily also touch on the importance of training facilitators who can deliver the course effectively in various communities. They acknowledge the challenges posed by the "postcode lottery," where access to such programs can vary significantly based on location. Their vision for the future includes wider availability of these courses across different regions to ensure more people can benefit from them.

The podcast episode underscores the need for better post-diagnostic support for people with dementia. While the diagnosis process has become quicker, the support that follows is often inconsistent. Rick and Emily advocate for a more integrated approach where individuals are directed to supportive programs like Living Well with Dementia immediately after diagnosis, providing a softer and more supportive transition into managing their condition.

Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast to help spread awareness and support, and those interested in the course or in becoming facilitators are invited to reach out for more information. The episode concludes with a call for better funding and resource allocation to ensure consistent and comprehensive support for those living with dementia across all regions.

Learn more about LivDem here: https://www.livdem.co.uk/  

DISCOVER Voices is a brand-new podcast network that discusses life through the lens of people living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. We welcome a variety of hosts all with their own podcast series, giving their own outlook and take on topics and discussions that are close to their heart. Our first podcast host is Dr Theo Blackmore, the residential researcher at disAbility Cornwall, a Disabled Peoples’ Organisation based in Hayle, Cornwall.

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Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly