Walfinch Home Care Chiswick, Hammersmith and Kensington Provide Dementia Inspiration and Education

The heartwarming story of Gladys Wilson, a ballerina with Alzheimer's who found joy in mimicking dance movements, has inspired people in West London to do more for people with Dementia, thanks to Tanya Santos and Magda Chmielewska from Walfinch home care Chiswick, Hammersmith and Kensington.

“Magda's presentation at our recent event about Brain Health and Wellbeing for Dementia, had the audience captivated, and left many in tears. Many were moved and inspired by Magda's words, and some said that they felt a newfound determination to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by Dementia,” says Tanya, the Managing Director at Walfinch Chiswick, Hammersmith and Kensington.

Magda, who works with Tanya as the registered care manager, also provided information on brain health and Dementia prevention, plus practical tips and strategies to support families and people living with Dementia. “She shared personal experiences and stories from her life as a carer, to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people living with Dementia and their loved ones. Her passion and dedication to promoting brain health and supporting people with Dementia shone through every word,” says Tanya.

Magda says: “People are clearly keen to learn more about this. The event  attracted volunteers working for people living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, local carers, some of our own care clients, local people and healthcare professionals from Hammersmith and Fulham council (LBHF), as well as researchers from Imperial College, London.

“We also brought together many people working in the NHS, plus a team working on a project using smart home technology to improve life for people with Dementia, who are  monitoring and collecting data and working with families and carers. We also had people from Hammersmith Business Improvement District.”

Tanya adds: “We were inspired to put on the event, at our offices in Glenthorne Road, Hammersmith,  by award-winning community work carried out by LBHF and the Dementia Action Alliance (which was also involved in the event). We wanted to continue that reach into the local community.”

There were also chances to try Relish products designed especially for people with Dementia such as puzzles, games, and reminder clocks, and Jelly Drops, sweet treats containing electrolytes and vitamins designed to counter dehydration.

Walfinch Chiswick, Hammersmith and Fulham also host a Memory Café every third Tuesday of the month in Elgin Close Resource Centre, off Goldhawk Rd, as part of an initiative from Peggy Coles of the Dementia Action Alliance and LBHF to provide Dementia and Alzheimer's support to people in the Hammersmith and Fulham borough.

Tanya says: “This day centre offers many activities, including an interactive table which enables you to play over 30 games. We spent an afternoon playing games with one of the locals whose favourite game was a volleyball. We had to bounce around the table – it was great fun interacting while chatting!”