Newbold House focus on Dementia

A SPECIAL workshop and outdoor leader training week focusing on dementia was held at Newbold House, in Forres.

Organised by Moray Council and Dementia Adventure - an Essex-based national organisation that helps people living with dementia and their carers benefit from contact with nature and the outdoor - the event involved businesses, carers, staff and volunteers with an interest in supporting sufferers.

“It was a very emotional morning,” said local councillor Lorna Creswell, after the first presentation.

“There was an emphasis on the benefits of outdoor activities and the importance of access to gardens, fresh air, companionship, children and young people, and pets

“There was also real encouragement for carers and a look at risk management.”

She added: “Many activities that people enjoyed when they were younger are not possible in later life - some people haven’t had fresh air for years in some situations.

“We heard that they need to be reminded of the lifestyle they lead to meet their needs each day.”

A couple living with dementia, James and Maureen McKillop, spoke of their life experience when his behaviour started to become challenging for the family before he was diagnosed with dementia at a relatively early age.

Medication and follow-on support helped the family cope with the limitations of the illness and continue in a positive way. James founded the Scottish Dementia Working Group in 2002, who helped set up Scotland’s first National Dementia Strategy. He received a honoury degree from the University of Strathclyde for his pioneering work last year.

Newbold House Wellbeing Centre have been working closely with Moray Council to explore ways they can support older people, those living with dementia and their carers.

Later this year they will run a pilot Dementia Adventure holiday which will include gardening projects, wildlife walks and other nature based activities for people living with dementia and their carers. If this goes well, they hope to go on to offer respite holidays where both the person with dementia and the carer get a proper break, without having to be separated.

“We are very excited about providing these opportunities at Newbold House,” said managing director, Dr Deborah Benham.

“We look forward to more people who are living with dementia benefiting from the peace, beauty and nourishing atmosphere of the centre, our gardens and the wonderful surrounding area.”