John Ramsay, a former corporate lawyer, shares his heartfelt journey of caring for his father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease when he was a teenager. Throughout his teenage and young adult years, John dedicated himself to looking after his father until his passing. Having experienced the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, John decided to leave his corporate life behind and create a brighter future for patients and carers by founding Social-Ability.
Reflecting on Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, John shared some communication tricks he learned while caring for his father that always brought a smile to his face. He emphasised the importance of focusing on emotions rather than words during conversations with loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s. John advised that engaging in activities that evoke positive emotions, even if they may seem repetitive or illogical, is essential for fostering happiness in patients.
John fondly recalled how simple tasks like going to the store to buy groceries brought immense joy to his father, highlighting that the emotions and positive experiences matter more than the actions themselves. He encouraged carers to prioritise their loved ones’ happiness over correctness, as correcting them may lead to negative emotions.
In addition to engaging in simple activities, John recommended preparing by bringing familiar items like photos, music, or movies that hold sentimental value for the patient. He stressed the importance of creating meaningful moments with loved ones, especially for those in care homes, and involving the care home in activity planning to enhance the patient’s experience.
As the managing director of Social-Ability, John introduced the Happiness Programme, a unique interactive game designed to reconnect Alzheimer’s and dementia patients with their families through joyful interactions. The programme aims to create moments of laughter and companionship for both patients and carers, enhancing their quality of life.
John’s compassionate approach to caring for his father and his innovative initiatives at Social-Ability demonstrate a deep commitment to improving the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. Through his experiences and initiatives, John continues to inspire others to approach caregiving with empathy, creativity, and a focus on fostering happiness and connection.