Siel Bleu is a social enterprise, dedicated to improving lives through exercise. Their expert physical trainers deliver a wide range of group and one to one programmes for older adults and people living with disease, focusing on physical, social and mental benefits. We were delighted to welcome Maggie from Siel Bleu to the Cafe in October. Maggie [...]
This month, the Cafe team explored what Dementia means, discussed some of different types of dementia and provided answers for many of the questions that are frequently asked when someone is diagnosed with dementia. Here are links to some of the materials used on the night: 1. Susan also gave a summary of a talk [...]
Carol Burke, from the Citizen's Information Service in Maynooth spoke at our Cafe in July (2018). Carol talked to us about the various benefits and allowances that are available for carers. She also took us through the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS - also know as the Fair Deal Scheme). More details on each of [...]
We welcomed John Costello to our Cafe in June 2018. John is a solicitor with Orpen Franks and he has almost 40 years of experience in advising clients in relation to wills, administration of estates, tax planning, wards of court, powers of attorney and other legal issues concerning older adults. John talked to us about about [...]
At the May 2018 cafe, Rena O'Hara (Assistant Nursing Director of Ryevale Nursing Home) talked to us about some of the changes we might notice as we go through our journey with dementia, when we might need some additional supports, and what kind of supports are available. Some highlights from Rena's talk are presented below. [...]
We were delighted to welcome John Healy back to the Cafe in April to talk to us about falls risk and prevention. John is a physiotherapist in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. The key points from John's talk are summarised below. Falls prevention Intrinsic / Internal Factors to consider: Balance Vision Vestibular system – inner ear Nervous [...]
The first set of tips relate to any general conversation with someone who has dementia: Don't stop trying! Do use their name to capture attention. If the person is finding it difficult to concentrate, reduce distractions (e.g. turn down/off the radio or TV). Position yourself where the person can see you as clearly as possible [...]
Happy New Year! At the first Cafe of 2018, Susan O'Reilly (Clinical Nurse Specialist in Dementia, Connolly Hospital) talked to us about living well with dementia. As part of this talk, Susan also explained what delirium is and how to look out for signs of delirium as this can often be missed when someone [...]
In November John Healy, a physiotherapist working in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown spoke at the café about the importance of maintaining mobility and remaining active. Physical activity promotes heart and lung function, increases muscular strength and also helps the person to retain independence and keep a sense of purpose and wellbeing. Physical activity does not have [...]