Memory Lane uses a family-based approach. Dementia sufferers and their families can come three times a week to take part in singing, art and crafts sessions, Happy Times, Tai Chi, ballroom dancing, day trips and occasional parties. These settings are ideal for informal information sharing, support and offer a new dimension for those with dementia to share in social and enjoyable activities. Families share their experiences, hints and tips on how to best care for their loved ones. Family carers are able to discuss the unique challenges of caring for a dementia sufferer; the rapid changes in cognitive ability; how to deal with old memories becoming part of the present and the distress that this causes and how to tackle the confusion that affects dementia patients.
The groups also provide vital emotional support for families who are living with the slow deterioration of their loved one and provide reassurance that they are not alone.
Family members often remain members of Memory Lane after their loved one has passed away. I remember the huge gap left in my life after my mum died. I didn’t know what to do. Caring for Mum had become such a huge part of my life that I didn’t know what to do instead. All this and I had to deal with my Mum’s death too. Memory Lane provides a positive and supportive environment for families left behind and they share their experiences with others, providing reassurance and care.
Refreshments- Drinks are provided free of charge. Lunch is provided at a cost of £1.50 and usually consists of a main course and dessert. Meals are not currently available at The Old School House.
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Fees - There is currently a £3.50 charge to cover overheads. This may be subject to change. Overheads include, room hire, administration items, equipment, materials, singing, art and crafts sessions, Happy Times, Tai Chi, ballroom dancing, day trips and occasional parties
A two course lunch is provided at the cost of £1.50. (At Arncliffe Centre only at present)
Memory Lane is a Community Interest Company providing support to those experiencing dementia and their families. I Patrica Mairs am the founder member of Memory Lane and my passion for this area of work resulted from caring for my own mother for 10 years after she was diagnosed with dementia.
It was a scary and confusing time, I didn’t know what dementia was, never mind how it would affect my Mum.
In order to care for my mother, I reduced my hours at work and tried to learn as much as I could from the carers that came to see my mother. However, I had lots of questions and was unable to get any real answers from the professionals involved at the time.
My mum’s carers provided me with some information but despite their best efforts I was frustrated with the care on offer. I felt increasingly isolated and lonely, I felt as though I was on my own and I wasn’t sure whether I was doing the right thing regarding Mum’s care. Seeking answers, I approached my local Councillor, Gary See, for help. It quickly became clear that there were no additional services that could provide the advice and information I needed.
I decided that things needed to change, so I set up my own organisation that would use the knowledge, skills and experience of those caring for sufferers of dementia. A number of local people quickly joined me, also frustrated at the lack of information. We quickly realised that between us we had some of the answers that carers wanted.
