Helen Johns

Dementia activity specialist, Trainer, Author, Daughter, and Campaigner. Actively supporting those living with dementia, relatives and care teams.

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

Love it @sallyknocker - I'm used to saying 'Thrive not just Survive' but I will now adopt 'Swim and Thrive'. Wholeheartedly agree - it made my heart ache to see Mum (and others) appear so lonely despite living in a care home full of people.

[Sally Knocker @sallyknocker]

Good for you for telling this story Helen. I’m so sorry about your mum. There are far too many ducks out of water in #carehomes We need to ensure that everyone is given the right water to swim & thrive? 🦆

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

@RadioTdw It was great to chat to Pete @RadioTdw about Mum, dementia and care home life. #carehome

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

This could be the words of my mum @sallyknocker - She said (in the care home lounge) "I'm a duck out of water in here" 10 years on, I published the book 'A Duck Out of Water' to tell her story.

[Meaningful Care Matters @MeaningfulCareM]

“It’s the worst feeling being surrounded by people in a lounge, yet still feeling so totally alone,” a woman living in a #carehome told us. How can we reduce the terrible loneliness, sadness and boredom that people still experience? #LonelinessAwarenessWeek @EndLonelinessUK

[Meaningful Care Matters @MeaningfulCareM]

“It’s the worst feeling being surrounded by people in a lounge, yet still feeling so totally alone,” a woman living in a #carehome told us. How can we reduce the terrible loneliness, sadness and boredom that people still experience? #LonelinessAwarenessWeek @EndLonelinessUK

[DrDr (😊)Wendy Mitchell @WendyPMitchell]

Then I suggest you visit some of our #DEEP groups around the country where people diagnosed are living life to the full and you will see what’s possible with the right support🤔

[⁠⁠Kasia Delgado @KasiaLDelgado]

"I was as guilty as anyone in wishing for the weekend, for the next holiday, but dementia has taught me not to do that anymore." I absolutely love this from @WendyPMitchell by @Nick_Duerden in @theipaper
https://t.co/QZ8I7Vob2X

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

Mum joined a community group as part of a community intergenerational project. Children are often naturally kind and empathetic. It was a joy to see them gently getting to know Mum and her fellow residents whilst busy with day-to-day #meaningfulactivies

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

Getting parcels through the post was a joy for Mum. Parcels filled with interesting items - something to touch, something to read, something to admire. I liked to make it an exciting #meaningfulactivity for her when in the #carehome.

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

Mum loved getting letters and parcels. One of my sisters lives in Australia - she and Mum had been writing letters for years so reading letters was a #meaningfulactivity for her (even when she could no longer write.) #dementiacare #aduckoutofwater

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

One day I helped Mum and a group of residents do some flower arranging.

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

Sunday Adventures: This walking frame was known as 'The Walker'. With its help, Mum was a demon and could walk brilliantly. Our outings were made much easier by using various adaptations - this one gave her freedom. #dementiacare

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

Mum was known for always wearing her necklaces and earrings but they'd get lost or end up in weird places when she lived in the care home. I made this little frame so that the carers could always find them. We just kept adapting as the years rolled on. #dementiacare #carehomes

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

Keeping Mum's many necklaces and bracelets handy (without losing them) was a challenge. I put hooks on the back of the wardrobe doors so that carers could always find them. #dementiacare #aduckoutofwater

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

The TV remote often got lost in the #carehome so I found velcro dots that kept it stuck to the TV. These everyday hacks helped us help Mum and removed some of the frustrations that #dementia brought. Most worked ... well, most of the time! #aduckoutofwater

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

Great to chat with Graham and Kevin on The Next 100 Days Podcast. We discussed Mum, dementia and care home life AND to, what Graham and Kevin describe as, corporate escape. #dementiacare #aduckoutofwater
https://t.co/xh8AvlyHBm

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

Sunday Adventures: We helped Mum stay in touch with my sister in Australia using Skype. One day I spotted that my husband had rigged up this shade for the screen. Not just great #dementiacare in action but showing so much love for The Lovely Rita.

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

When we know better - we do better. #dementiacare #carehomes #aduckoutofwater

https://t.co/4b830OkLat

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

OFFER CLOSING TONIGHT!

Last chance to get your KINDLE VERSION of my book. #aduckoutofwater #dementia

[R&RA @Relresuk]

Feeling blessed by all the support we've had for #GloriasLaw. Here's the lovely quote from @epilepsyaction - thanks for joining the call! And to the 70 other orgs supporting!
Together we will achieve a new right to a #CareSupporter 🤗
#FridayFeeling
@rightsforresid2 @JohnCampaign

[Helen Johns @DementiaReThink]

Unbelievable is exactly what it is! #carehomes

[R&RA @Relresuk]

Thank you Learning Disability England for joining our call for a right to a #CareSupporter🤗

📣"we believe this regular contact with someone you choose should be an ordinary basic expectation of life"

Well said!
Read more in their blog:
➡️https://t.co/jItksXvfO6
#GloriasLaw