Being a Finding the Light in Dementia Care™ trained carer means that people can be confident that they or their loved one will be cared for with dignity, understanding, empathy and compassion at all stages of their condition, and that the people who care for them are well, resilient and supported.

Those reading it will find sections on facing the diagnosis, communicating, using life stories to stay connected, creating a calm, safe home, and tips for sleep, eating and drinking. There are chapters too on some of the challenges that can come with dementia: behavioural issues, hallucinations, and the difficult issue of considering outside care. Perhaps the most important chapter is that on caring for the caregiver: so often overlooked. At the end of each chapter is space for notes: practical ways for the carer to note down problems and solutions, as each individual is unique. An assessment may also include recommending aids such as raised toilet seats and grab rails that will help if your loved one is struggling with mobility. More Testimonials Listen to why Kimberley Littlemore, Director of eHealth Digital Media supports Finding the Light in Dementia Training for her and her parents Mullins, J.M., Tales, A., Musselwhite, C., Rich, N., 2022, “Rekindling couplehood” using a multisensory suitcase of memories: A pilot study of people living with moderate dementia and their partners, Ageing & Society. There may be more books than ever about dementia. But few prove as helpful and practical for those who find themselves at a loss when the diagnosis is first made than Jane Mullins' Finding the Light in Dementia: A guide for Families and caregivers (DUETcare, 2017).This will include resources to help them cope with the grief and bereavement, and other challenges that they will have experienced due to Covid. As well as the above, the platform will provide resources for people living with dementia and their families that will help them to stay connected: this includes our Suitcase of Memories toolkit.

My book, training and courses have been developed over many years, to help all people living with dementia, their families, staff and caregivers understand how dementia can affect a person, how they experience the world around them and how we can care WITH them. I have built on the work of Tom Kitwood, Abraham Maslowand Martha Rogers in developing the Finding the Light in Dementia Model of Care.

When using Finding the Light in Dementia you will learn how to care with confidence & know:

It gives insight into their feelings, and helps you to find ways to cope with the many difficult situations that continually arise. I also find the summary at the end of each chapter very useful.’ Range of readers Gather props – you will probably find most things around your home, involve your care partner in collecting interesting objects. Think about sensory props such as an oily rag for a car enthusiast or the smell of sun cream lotion. The first thing I want you to realise is, that this may not be a normal part of the condition, as other physical conditions and medication may also affect a person’s ability to stay continent. I know caregivers often don’t tend to seek help as they feel embarrassed and conscious of keeping their loved one’s dignity. But it is important to speak to your doctor and ask for a continence assessment for them. This is usually done by a specialist continence nurse who will be able to explore the cause in more detail, offer support and advice that may help and thereby reduce the embarrassment and stigma associated with it. Maybe start off with writing down their wants and not wants. For example, they may have specific religious and/or cultural beliefs that may influence what they eat or how they worship or they may wish to avoid certain medical treatment. It is important that their choices are documented and whilst, of course decisions can change, you have both taken some control in future planning.

Finding the Light” is a wonderful book. It should be bought by anyone caring for someone living with dementia, who will find in it a practical handbook for the issues they may encounter, a fund of shared experiences by others, and an uplifting source of inspiration when things are difficult. Finding the Light in Dementia Care™ will be delivered worldwide and will change the face of dementia care on a global scale. By contributing to our crowdfunder, you will automatically become a member of the Finding the Light in Dementia Care™ movement so that you are a key part of changing the face of dementia care worldwide (if you wish). Keep the toilet door open so that it is visible to them or put a picture sign on the door to identify where the toilet is (making sure the sign is at a height they can see and is not shiny)

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Janet agrees, ‘It is very easy to read, with lots of advice about everyday practicalities such as eating, washing, dressing and safety. Additionally. the author describes ways to keep the person stimulated and still able to enjoy life via music, art, memory books and boxes, and nature. This will benefit all staff, patients and residents involved in social and health care, care homes, hospitals and home care.

Created with people who have dementia, families and caregivers and delivered through films, animations, presentations and podcasts – Accessible, enjoyable, sustainable real-life learning for all learning styles and levels. It concludes by discussing the possibility of the person needing admission to a care home and advises how to face this and choose the best home.’ Caroline likes the way the book is structured. ‘The use of bullet points at the end of each chapter and the space for notes means a carer could jot down thoughts and consult it regularly.

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When managing a Care Home, she has supported their transition from home to residential care using life stories as a guide to planning their life & care throughout their remaining years.