They Say Christmas Is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, a Time to Spend with Family

Dear friend

They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, a time to spend with family and friends in brightly decorated, busy homesfull of noiseand laughter…..but for people living with dementia and their carers, it can be a stressful and worrying time.

There is so much to consider, from concerns that a loved one may get distressed during family visits, to worries about adapting a Christmas dinner for a person who is having difficulty eating. Christmas can also be a lonely time forcarers especially if they are unable to leave their homes due to a loved one experiencing mobility difficulties.

Christmas is oftenthe very time of yearwhen increasedmemory difficultiesor changes in a person'sbehaviourbecome noticeable to family and friends and so understandably, calls to Alzheimer’s Society’s helpline significantly increaseover the festive period.

Wewant to be there for everyone living with or caring for someone with dementia. Sometimes, a kind word, a shoulder to cry on, an offer of help in the darkest days can be the lifeline they need. It can make the difference between an earlier diagnosis, more suitable treatment plan, support and relief for the family.

You may know someone in your congregation or local community living with dementia. There are currently 45,000 people with Dementia in Wales and that figure is set to increase significantly over the next 10 years.

Please help us reach more people throughout 2017 by holding a collection for Alzheimer’s Society at one of your Christmas services. The money raised by local supporters can make a real difference to people living with dementia in Wales.

£50 could pay forfive people with dementia to attend a Singing for the Brain® session, a fun activity that improves communication and wellbeing through music and keeps them in touch with other members of their community

£150 couldfund a Dementia Support Worker for a day, so that they can provide crucial support to people living with dementia, including teaching practical coping strategies to prevent crisis situations

£200 could pay for one of our Side by Side services to run for a day. Our volunteer-led programme provides companionship and support to people with dementia by helping them to continue doing the things they love

Yourlocally based community fundraiser would be delighted to provide you with any additional information you may require about the work of Alzheimer’s Society across Wales and can be contacted on 02920 475572.

With warmest wishes

Natalie de Maid

Regional Community Fundraising Manager, Wales

07710857841