Longford Sweet Memories Choir an important social outlet for dementia sufferers

A dreary Monday afternoon entering the Longford Slashers complex. However, once inside, you quickly forget about the conditions outside.

The warmth of the Alzheimer Society Tea Day embraces you. This is the 30th anniversary of the tea day.

The event is held by the Longford Sweet Memories Choir. The choir comprises people with dementia and their carers. The choir meets every second Monday in the Slashers complex.

Tea and treats are in plentiful supply. The choir conductor is Amanda Sweeney. She plays an array of instruments, such as the violin, keyboard and guitar.

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Dementia is undoubtedly a cruel condition. But it is days like this where those who suffer from the condition and their carers can meet people in a similar situation and enjoy a social gathering.

Orlaith Leonard is the Dementia Advisor for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

“If anyone is concerned about dementia, it is really important to know what services and supports are available to them,” Orlaith explained.

“Our support group runs every second Wednesday in the Alzheimer Society Office, Earl Street, Longford,” she added.

“This is a great opportunity for family members/supports to meet other people who understand dementia and who are living with similar challenges,” Orlaith continued.

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A Dementia cafe also runs at the end of each month (the last Wednesday). “This provides another welcoming space for people with dementia, their family/friends and health and social care professionals to come together to meet and exchange ideas,” Orlaith explained.

Orlaith went on to talk about her own role as Dementia Advisor. “I am the Dementia Advisor for Longford and Westmeath. I support people who are awaiting a diagnosis of dementia, or are concerned about their memory. This service is free, confidential and a non clinical service,” she stated.

“As part of my role, I provide information, advice, emotional support and practical assistance to people with dementia and their families/supporters,” Orlaith added.

The approach taken by Orlaith is not a one size fits all attitude. “The dementia advisor service is personalised and tailored to meet people where they are at and support them to live well and take control over their lives,” she commented.

“It can be overwhelming for people to know where to start after a diagnosis but also important to know that people can still live active and full lives, given this practical and emotional support,” Orlaith added.

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The cafe runs at the Alzheimer Society offices at No. 2 Earl Street.

Orlaith explains the other activities that take place. “A support group runs in Longford and on the last Wednesday of each month, a guest speaker addresses family members of dementia sufferers,” she stated.

Orlaith also has a wider role within the community. “As part of my role, I also work with community groups and organisations to help promote awareness of dementia,” she stated.

Orlaith is one of 29 dementia advisors throughout the country, covering every county in Ireland.

If anyone wishes to link in to the Dementia Advisor Service, they can ring the national helpline and information service at 1800 341 341.

Breda Dunne is the Homecare Coordinator for the Alzheimers Society.

She helps to provide respite for families, among other services. “We provide homecare services, with care workers trained in Dementia care also providing respite for carers. This includes day care for a whole day, which is provided in Multyfarnham,” Breda told the Leader.

Also present at the Tea Day is Martina Logan, who is Occupational Therapist with the Memory and Technological Resources of the HSE.

A close relative of one of the people who attended the tea day told of the impact the dementia choir had on their relative. “One lady, named Louise, said that having attended the tea day with her aunt, ‘it was the only time she had seen her aunt smile’,” according to Orlaigh.

Orlaith wanted to thank people who helped with the Tea Day in Longford Slashers. “I would like to thank those who baked lovely treats, our singers (including Fr Brendan O’Sullivan), local politicians and supporters,” she commented.

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“I would also like to thank ‘Mrs Doyle Vintage Service’ in Fenagh, Co Leitrim, who very kindly donated her vintage bone China tableware for our tea party. Everyone’s kindness and generosity is much appreciated,” Orlaith added.

A dreary Monday it may be, but it would be hard not to have your mood lifted at the Sweet Memories Choir.