Dementia and Sensory Loss - Friday 9th May

In our May Coffee Conversation, we are focussing on dementia and sensory loss. On average it takes 10 years for people to address hearing loss. RNID ‘Sight loss is typically under-diagnosed in people with dementia because one condition can mask or be mistaken for another.’  (RNIB Booklet – Dementia and Sight Loss). It can be difficult to know whether some communication difficulties are a result of a sensory loss or dementia.  We will discuss how people have an entitlement to support with eyesight and hearing and how important this can be for people living with dementia.

We are delighted to be joined by Dr Amy White, Senior Sensory Hub Officer (Deafness) from Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland. Amy will talk about the Sensory Care Standards and be sharing some case studies and information about her work focusing on dementia and sensory needs. It is great that we also have Myra Lamont joining us to share her experiences of this topic. Myra cared for her husband who lived with dementia, and has been a long-term supporter of our work. She has been heavily involved in sharing her lived experience as an unpaid carer to help influence policy and practice.

In our regular Coffee Conversations events, we explore, in an informal and relaxed atmosphere, different topics of relevance to people living with dementia, their carers and those in the community who support people. If you care for, work with or support someone living with dementia, or if you live with dementia yourself, please come and take part: share your ideas, questions and experiences and hear from others. We will pass on information and resources and generally keep the conversation going.

We look forward to seeing you on the 9^th of May between 10.30am and 11.30am.