Dementia Awareness Week from 29th May – 4th June 2017

As part of Dementia Awareness Week, SADSA, in association with Social Science Students from Ayrshire College, will be holding a sponsored walk along Ayr Beach.  We hope to raise awareness of dementia support in the area and to raise much needed funds for SADSA.

The walk will take place on Tuesday 30th May at 2pm and there is a sponsor form available from the office for anyone who wishes to take part or kindly sponsor us.  Call Liz on 01292 283954 for further information.

In addition, Liz Campbell, Day Centres Manager for SADSA, will have an information stall at the Alzheimer Office Open Day in the Arran Mall on Thursday 1st June 2017.  Liz will be available to offer support and advice on SADSA services and living with dementia – pop by to say hello!

A Testament to SADSA

Bill Giddings has written a moving testimonial for SADSA …..

My mother Georgie was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease in 2008.  In 2010 her husband, my father, died and she went badly downhill.

She started to attend daycare at Auchenday and what a difference!  Being a sociable and outgoing person she had people to connect with and activities to enjoy.

As time passed and the disease worsened, the number of days (at SADSA) increased and it became part of the routine of her life.

It was so noticeable that a day at Auchenday was far better than her being at home, no matter how many carers I had to come in, no matter what food and drink and entertainment I had arranged – she was always happier at Auchenday.

As her main carer, daycare gave me respite and peace of mind about her safety.  No more coming home from work to find the gas cooker on but not lit, or that she’d phoned the police because she couldn’t find a long-dead aunt.

It let me carry on for a bit longer working until I chose to retire to look after her.

All the time I was supported by SADSA – advice freely given on everything from her refusal to wash at one stage, to feeding her, right through to practicalities of purchasing ladies clothes for her.

Well sadly Georgie isn’t with us anymore but SADSA is and could well help you with the challenges of dementia care.

I will always be indebted to SADSA and the splendid support they offer.

Signed

Bill Giddings

Bill has kindly offered to be contactable through our office for anyone who wishes to discuss his daycare experience at SADSA with him.  Call Liz in the first instance on 01292 283954.

Dementia Gold

Photo courtesy of Ayrshire Post; Front Row: Dr Maggie Ellis of St. Andrews University, Mary Mann and Liz Campbell of SADSA   Back Row: Phil White and Seonaid Lewis of South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership

Following on to our last post, SADSA are proud to say that with the help of the Ayr South Decides grant we have completed the Dementia Gold training programme.  You can click on video links on our news page for more information on this innovative training programme.