Music, museums, and local support during Dementia Action Week

Dementia Action Week highlighted some great resources and support for people living with dementia and their family, friends, and carers.

Last week was Dementia Action Week, dedicated to raising awareness and improving support for people living with dementia. Glasgow Life Libraries marked this week with a Health & Wellbeing session to shine a light on the many organisations making a positive impact.

The power of music

One of these organisations is Playlist for Life, a charity promoting the power of music to help anyone affected by dementia. Research has shown that listening to a personal playlist has many benefits, including:

• Reducing anxiety
• Improving your mood
• Helping make difficult tasks more manageable
• Encouraging conversation and connection

Playlist for Life have developed a range of resources to help you discover what music is meaningful to you or someone you care for. These are available to download for free on their website.

Reminiscence through museum objects

Another project where the arts play a central role is the Open Museum, Glasgow Life Museums’ loan kit and outreach service. The Open Museum brings museum objects and photographs directly to community groups in Glasgow who may find it difficult to visit a museum venue.

Each kit is carefully curated to start conversations, encourage reminiscence, and inspire creativity and curiosity. For people living with dementia, object handling can improve their wellbeing, mood, and social inclusion – making these kits a valuable resource for anyone involved in dementia care. If you would like to try them for yourself, you can do so during Dementia Fest. This event – a collaboration between Dementia Heroes and WestFest – brings dementia-friendly activities to Glasgow’s West End throughout June.

Specialist dementia nurses

The session also featured Dementia UK and their specialist dementia nurses, known as Admiral Nurses. In partnership with Nationwide, Admiral Nurses are delivering free, in-person appointments for those who are living with dementia or caring for someone who is. They can provide support with:

• Concerns about memory loss
• Getting and understanding a diagnosis
• Practical tips for caring for someone living with dementia
• Financial and legal advice
• Emotional support

Appointments are available in selected Nationwide branches across Scotland, and new dates are released on the first Friday of every month.

Find support near you

This Health and Wellbeing session demonstrated the fantastic initiatives that are taking place in Glasgow and beyond to support those who live with dementia, along with their families, friends, and carers.

If you would like to find out what dementia support is available in your area, go to ALISS and search for ‘dementia’. And if you know of a community group or service that supports people with dementia, why not add it to ALISS? Sharing this information helps other people in your community access the support they might need after a diagnosis.

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