Transforming the dementia journey

Alice Ashwell, who is running a course aimed at people who love and care for those living with dementia.

The course is offered either as a series of four workshops or as an interactive online course of six sessions. Numbers are limited to enable participants to share and be supported by others who deeply understand.

Alice Ashwell’s mother Elizabeth, a resident of Somerset West from 1970 until she passed away in 2017, lived with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia for about 15 years.

“If I had known at the beginning of Mum’s dementia journey what I know now, I would have coped so much better,” says Alice.“I offer these courses to help family members, friends and professional carers understand the changes they are noticing in the person with dementia.

“We explore practical ways of keeping the person connected to life, love and meaning.”

The course also focuses on the emotional toll that dementia has on those close to the person.“We practise calming techniques that help us reduce stress, build resilience and strengthen compassion for our loved one and for ourselves,” says Alice.

The four workshops will be offered fortnightly, commencing Saturday February 2, from 2.30pm to 5pm, at Alice’s home in Cape Town (the first two in Marina da Gama, the last two in Wynberg).

The online programme is offered via Zoom, a platform that allows for both the sharing of information and discussion.

Six one-hour sessions will be offered weekly from Tuesday February 12, from 6pm to 7pm.

For more information and to book, visit https://www.carechamp.co.za/news/2018/5/31/transforming-the-dementia-journey or go to Alice’s Facebook page Dementia Connections SA, or call 021 788 2431 or 082 720 7444.