In the UK, there are currently around 900,000 people with dementia, and this is set to rise to 1.6 million people by 2040*. With September being World Alzheimer’s Month, we thought we’d share some information on how we are helping our clients as a Dementia Friend.

What is dementia?

Dementia describes a set of symptoms caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms can include:

• memory loss;
• confusion;
• problems with language and understanding;
• changes in behaviour.

There are many types of dementia, however Alzheimer’s is the most common.

Should a person living with dementia be included in the funeral arrangements?

We believe that it can be possible to include someone living with dementia in the funeral arrangements and for them to attend the funeral. Dementia affects everyone differently and it is important we determine the level of support they will need from us. We have learnt, from undertaking our training with Dementia Friends, that people may forget facts and names but they don't usually forget emotions that are tied to events.

It is important to ask the person with dementia to share their memories of the person that has died so they feel included in the organising.

How do you organise a funeral with someone living with dementia?

As Funeral Directors, working across Llandudno, Conwy and Colwyn Bay, we work closely with the person conducting the service and those arranging the funeral.

Tom Owen and Son believe that nobody is immune to being vulnerable. It can happen to anyone at any time of life, under a variety of circumstances. We understand that this can mean you may need more help from us. We want to make sure that all of our customers with vulnerabilities are treated fairly, based on their individual circumstances. Our aim is that all of our services are available to all customers, in a form that works for them. You can read our Vulnerable Client policy here.

When organising a funeral alongside someone living with dementia, we will listen to the needs and wishes of the person land will offer appropriate and sensitive choices. We will always adapt our approach based on the circumstances when communicating with someone living with dementia, to ensure they understand what is being discussed. We find it helps to:

• speak slowly;
• use shorter sentences;
• use plain English;
• not use euphemisms;
• repeat the question as often as needed;
• make eye contact when talking;
• use body language to emphasise what we have said.

We would usually encourage to meet at their home, we find this helps to keep the meeting relaxed. It may also allow the person living with dementia to have triggers available that will help including photos and music.

We actively encourage having someone in attendance that can support the person living with dementia who can take notes to refer back to after the initial meeting.

Should a person living with dementia attend a funeral?

The Alzheimer’s Society suggest the person living with dementia shouldn’t be protected from the truth that someone has died. They recommend using body language to express sadness, hold their hand and provide comfort if they need it and to read sympathy cards together.

At the funeral service, it can help to see the service sheet with a photo included of the person that has died. They may find being supported by someone they know helps.

* Source. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/facts-media