This October, Dementia UK’s brand-new fundraising event, Raise Your Game, sees fundraisers across the UK getting out their Jenga/Snakes and Ladders/Ludo/Scrabble sets [delete as appropriate] to help families face dementia. Families are invited to spend time together (either virtually, socially distanced or within their household) having fun, as well raising awareness and funds, for more of Dementia UK’s dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.
When things get challenging or difficult for people with dementia and their families, Admiral Nurses work alongside them, giving the compassionate one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions that can be difficult to find elsewhere. They are a lifeline - helping families to live more positively with dementia in the present, and to face the challenges of tomorrow with more confidence and less fear.
Fundraisers will be getting involved in a number of different events over the next few months, from 24-hour board game marathons to whole villages throwing the dice. One fundraiser who will be taking part in Raise Your Game this year will be Sue from Hampshire. Her mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2013. Sue says: “I had never heard of Admiral Nurses but I realise just how valuable they could have been in my situation in terms of supporting me with respite, and talking through the feelings of guilt I faced after having put mum in a nursing home.”
Games have always played (no pun intended!) a strong role in Sue’s life. She lived in Germany with her husband who was in the military. They used to get involved in games nights with the people who were stationed there. Sue continues: “We used to play Ludo tournaments during our lunch breaks and in between our shifts. It didn’t matter if we didn’t speak the same language as Ludo has a language of its own! A six is a six in any tongue. There were teams of British, German, Portuguese, Yugoslavian and we never tired of playing.”
Hannah Gardner, Admiral Nurse from East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, said: “My mum was diagnosed with young onset dementia and it’s this which ultimately led me to becoming an Admiral Nurse. Being an Admiral Nurse, I help families through many challenging times but also allow them to appreciate the moments they have together.
“I remember my own family used to play Monopoly but never got to the end of the game, as it took far too long! But it was nice to just spend time together. I’m delighted that Dementia UK has put this fundraising event on as I know it will be of benefit to so many families.”
Hilda Hayo, CEO of Dementia UK and Chief Admiral Nurse, said: “People affected by dementia can feel isolated, and straightforward games can be an excellent way to help them communicate and have fun. Our first-ever Raise Your Game fundraising event is a welcome addition to our events calendar. It will no doubt bring many families together in the face of one of the most challenging health conditions out there, whilst also raising money for more dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.”
Families can look at the charity’s online coronavirus hub for the latest updates on how to care and support a relative at this time.
