There was some much-needed joy for some West Lothian families during dementia awareness week as people were reunited with their loves ones after months of lockdown.
Teams in St John’s Hospital worked hard during Dementia Awareness Week, from June 1 to June 7, to bring families closer again, despite the challenges around Covid-19.
They arranged a variety of ways for patients to celebrate, including an afternoon tea where patients and a staff member or a relative were invited along to enjoy tea, coffee and cakes – all while maintaining social distancing.
Siobhann Keay, Alzheimer Scotland dementia nurse consultant, NHS Lothian, said: “We had a great turn out and one of the best moments of the entire week was being able to unite a father and son who hadn’t seen each other for nearly three months.
“The relatives that were able to come were really grateful for the opportunity to be able to see their loved ones and it provided them which some much needed emotional relief.”
Pupils in the Rainbow Club at Knightsridge Primary School also wrote a ‘forget me not’ poem decorated with coloured flowers which is now on display in the hospital.
Siobhan was also able to provide resources for the local school hub so that the children were able to talk about dementia and learn about how it may affect someone they know in the future.
She added: “It is so important that we continue to raise awareness of dementia and make sure it remains in the spotlight.
“By raising awareness we will continue to break down the stigma that can be attached to a dementia diagnosis. It also helps people living with dementia and their carers to recognise the support available to them.”
