Gloucester Dementia Action Alliance

03/03/2026

03/03/2026

'Even with the trauma of Alzheimer’s progressing, he still showed his love and care for me to the very end.'

Jimmy’s husband Michael died in 2022 from Alzheimer's, cancer and finally Covid.

‘We were together for 43 years. In 2016 while enjoying an active retirement, he went into hospital for a straightforward operation. The following day there was some confusion which we expected to pass. It didn't, and eventually I began to worry it might be serious.

‘After Michael was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I worried about coping with the day-to-day decline, but struggled on until I was on my knees. I was afraid of how we might be treated as a same-sex couple when he had to go into care.

'The first care home promised so much, wonderful surroundings, facilities, fully trained dementia carers. But within three days they asked me to come get him, claiming he had become aggressive and struck another resident. He was already traumatized from being physically dragged away from me.

'Michael was moved to a second home. While the surroundings and facilities weren’t brilliant, there was a world of difference in care for us both. From day one, the staff made me feel part of a new family.

'I visited Michael as often as possible. His response to seeing me amazed the staff. His face lit up in a smile and they'd say, “Look everyone, look at Michael's face!”

‘It wasn't perfect – Michael, like many people with dementia, could become distressed, frightened, and challenging. Looking back, there were incidents that I wish I had questioned more.

'But after the experience of the first home I was so relieved that he was relatively settled and among people who showed genuine care and attention. I will be grateful to them for the rest of my life.

'Unlike so many people who care for their loved ones, I was blessed that Michael knew me and responded lovingly to the end. His final words to me were a very frail, "I love you." Alzheimer's didn't have the final word, Michael did.

'For Government to say that "Social Care will have to wait" is a total disgrace and it's up to us, everyone, to fight, to shout loudly, in the defence of our loved ones.'

03/03/2026

Longfield Hospice has 'Living Well Services' available to those with a progressive life-limiting illness as well as their carers and bereaved. For more information about the current Living Well timetable or to refer, email livingwell@longfield.org.uk or call 01453 733706

26/02/2026

‼️ NEW GROUP ‼️

🎶 Do you know someone living with young onset dementia? Or are you looking for a welcoming, inclusive community to connect through music? 🎶

We are so excited to announce the launch of Melodic Minds – a brand new community singing group created especially for people under 65 living with young onset dementia.

Melodic Minds is a relaxed, friendly space where we will enjoy:

✨ An hour of uplifting singing
🎵 Live music
💬 Time to socialise and connect
🤝 A supportive and understanding community

No previous singing experience is needed – just come along and enjoy the music! Whether you love to sing your heart out or simply enjoy being part of the atmosphere, you are warmly welcome.

Music has a wonderful way of bringing people together, lifting spirits, and creating moments of joy 🎼

If this sounds like something you or someone you know would benefit from, we would love to see you there.

Feel free to share this post to help us reach those who might benefit from being part of Melodic Minds.

Let’s make music together 🎶💛💙

26/02/2026

26/02/2026

Supporting someone you love through memory worries can be frightening — especially when you’re unsure where to turn.

Our Dementia, Diagnosis and Memory Support service offers practical, non‑medical guidance for anyone facing memory concerns. Julia’s story shows how early support can make a real difference — helping families feel informed, confident and heard.

Read Julia's story here and find out how we can help you or someone you love: 👉

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/gloucestershire/about-us/news/articles/2026/supporting-a-loved-one-with-dementia/

26/02/2026

23/02/2026

26 March is our next Dog Days Group- looking forward to seeing everyone!

23/02/2026

28.02 10am free webinar ‘Navigating change. Mature drivers & the new Road Safety Strategy.’

Register here https://tinyurl.com/2rk37y39

New Strategy. New policies. New expectations. But what does it mean for mature drivers?

How can you participate in the consultation process?

Join over 180 mature drivers who have registered and want to learn more.
Driving for LifeGloucestershire Fire and Rescue ServiceITV News West CountryWilts and Glos StandardGloucestershire ConstabularyGloucestershire Live CheltenhamGloucestershire Rural Community CouncilGloucestershire Rural Community CouncilGOPA - Gloucestershire Older Persons' Association

23/02/2026

💖 Do you want music made easy? Try m4dRADIO.
🎼Non-stop music, playing ad-free, organised by decade - just the music you love.

📻 Visit www.m4dradio.com or ask Alexa to 'play m 4 d radio'.
⚫ Alexa users: First time: Set up by saying 'Alexa, enable m4dradio'

23/02/2026

Tips for Muslim family caregivers during Ramadan
🌙 Caring for the elderly
Islam teaches us to care for our elders by understanding and accommodating their needs as they grow older. It's important to reflect how we can support and accommodate people living with dementia in our family and community.
🌙 Care for yourself
It's important to work together as a family and share responsibilities equally; putting a schedule into place can help everyone feel they are helping appropriately and no one is left to carry all responsibility.
🌙 Remember to be patient
During Ramadan it may feel especially difficult when caring for people living with dementia. Reminding ourselves to be patient with our elders can help remove us from the emotional responses certain challenges bring when caring for those with dementia.
🌙 Practice Islamic acts of worship
Practicing acts of worship can be an excellent outlet for Muslim family caregivers taking care of their loved ones. Engaging in these acts exercises the brain and by encouraging your loved ones to take part you may help them remember Allah, prayers, and recitations of the Quran before they had dementia.