The weekly sessions run by the Wakefield Hospice Dementia Services Team are supported by Nova Wakefield and the NHS South-West Yorkshire Partnership. Each 2-hour session focuses on an aspect of dementia care ranging from washing and dressing, through physical safety, to financial and legal matters, and much more. As part of these sessions, both the carer and their family member are invited along to the hospice.

For R, this meant her mum was supported and cared for in the hospice’s Day Therapy Unit, whilst she was free to concentrate on the course materials and information being shared.

R: “The course has been phenomenal. Yes, there’s lots of great dementia support information online, but honestly, having the time and energy to sift through it is a big ask when you’re a full-time carer. The way this course was run - knowing mum was safely looked after on the Day Therapy Unit - left me free to focus on the key aspects of each session with the other participants. It was great how the course also offered us plenty of formal opportunities (and informal ones over a cuppa and biscuits) to share our lived experiences with each other. It’s been fantastic. We’ve been given sound, practical information. I’ve learned so much.”

Whilst R was learning with the Dementia Services Team, her Mum - P - was being cared for in the Day Therapy Unit. Here she was introduced to one of the hospice’s animatronic cats, kindly gifted by Wakefield Rotary Club, during a group activity. Little could anyone have imagined the connection P would make instantly with the cat, let alone the comfort this small robotic creature would eventually offer her.

R: “Mum can be quite stoic, not showing much emotion, but when she was introduced to the animatronic cat, her face just lit up, her whole demeanour changed. Although she knew it wasn’t real, she was so engaged by the cat - laughing, talking, responding to its movements and stroking it. It was lovely to see her this way.”

R: “Personally, it was an incredibly bittersweet moment – on the one hand I was pleased to see mum so spontaneously happy and engaged with her surroundings; but on the other hand I think it really showed me where mum is on her journey with Dementia. I guess sometimes a carer’s familiarity with their family member’s situation prevents them from recognising its somewhat shifted perspective. 

R: “The hospice kindly let us take the cat home. It’s easy to see the happiness it’s brought mum. I’ve heard her talking to the cat, usually when I leave the room. It’s become something she can confide in, something just for her. It’s a really special connection. Lots of people talk with their pets and in return receive unconditional love – Mum gets that same safety, warmth and emotional support from her cat – without the hassle of a litter tray!”

R: “I highly recommend the hospice’s family carers training sessions – they’ve really changed everything for me.”