It’s with sadness I hear of the death of Billy Simpson, Belfast Telegraph journalist superb, a man full of humour and compassion, a master of words and expression and at one time a delightful neighbour. The love of his life was his wife Daphne and I remember well the day the three of us went out for lunch in Stewarts road house in Drumbo.
We had such fun, his stories were non-stop and brilliant, he included ‘Daph’ in them all, she was the love of his life and he was her hero. A match made in heaven, two people totally in support of each other, best friends and deeply in love. Thankfully Billy’s writing will be around for years to come, his mischievous take on life and his in-depth study of the people and situations he wrote about.
Terrifying Fires Down Under
THIS IS A FINE EXAMPLE OF THE NEWS SPOTLIGHT MOVING ON AND OFTEN WE ASSUME THE INCIDENT HAS PASSED. THANK YOU CANDY DEVINE FOR SENDING THIS TERRIBLE REMINDER OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AUSTRALIA.
MOST OF US HAVE FRIENDS AND RELATIONS LIVING AND WORKING IN AUSTRALIA, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM AT SUCH A FRIGHTENING TIME. CANDY LIVES IN BRISBANE WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY IN TROUBLE. INDEED NOWHERE SEEMS SAFE AS THESE FIRES ROAR AROUND THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.
Conning The Public
THREE WISE MEN? I THINK NOT.
What an ignorant man Clarkson is, and bitter with it. Obviously not feeling secure in his series The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime as he has taken to criticising 16 year old campaigner Greta Thunberg. He claims that she has turned young people against cars! Can you believe it?
The 59 year old is reported saying, “Everyone I know under 25 isn’t the slightest bit interested in cars – Greta Thunberg has killed the car show.
“They’re taught at school, before they say ‘Mummy and Daddy’, that cars are evil, and it’s in their heads.” He added: “She’s an idiot. Going round saying we’re all going to die, that’s not going to solve anything, my dear.”
OBVIOUSLY PREPARING THE PUBLIC FOR LOW RATINGS – NOT HIS FAULT OF COURSE!!
PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS
I expect most of us have begun planning for Christmas, a few presents bought, where lunch will be and who will be round the table, turkeys ordered or in the freezer, you know yourself there’s so much to think of. There are stresses of course and no matter how early you start it’s usually a panic coming towards the last week, being on a Wednesday this year means a nice run up to 25th, a weekend to go shopping, a few days for decorating, opening cards and wrapping presents and then going hell for leather on Christmas Eve.
It should be a time of joy and celebration remembering the real meaning of Christmas although more and more these days it’s party time. I always think back to my 20s and the office parties we had, usually a lot of fun but I often hear how young women and men find themselves in trouble too much drink, also drugs in this day and age, and the horrible pressure from a sleazy boss to retire somewhere private for a chat, that hoary old chestnut: “If only I was ten years younger” to which the reply is “I’d only be 12 so forget it”, and move away, stick with friends and don’t be afraid to go home early.
Recently, the famous http://djpaulkom.tv/crakd-china-hair-stockings/ cheap viagra television personality, Dr. super viagra active djpaulkom.tv It is a prescription drug thus taking advantage of prescription for the drug is practical before setting up its dosing. The most known medicine of cost of cialis is a selective inhibitor of cGMP, a specific phophodiesterase type 5, usually known as PDE 5. Make payment after producing your doctor’s prescription and wait for a cialis for cheap http://djpaulkom.tv/cialis6074.html while before you can have sexual intercourse.But there are other pressures and these may become more obvious when the family gather and you notice someone, usually an older person, becoming upset and confused with all the hustle and bustle around them. It might confirm your thoughts that some form of dementia is the reason, little things begin to add up and there’s that cold feeling of fear because you don’t know what to do. There is help available and the Alzheimer’s Society are anxious to tell people how to get this, how to support the person concerned, how the family can best understand and work together in a positive way and the changes you can make at Christmas.
Emily Wilson talks of her husband Jim.
“The Christmas before he went to the nursing home he just sat and looked. I’ve got a photograph and you can see the vagueness in his eyes. He doesn’t really know it’s Christmas any more, it means nothing to him now. That recognition has gone now. You try to be positive but there’s a great sadness as well. You just got to adapt.”
In Northern Ireland 22,000 people are living with dementia however, with modern medicine keeping us alive longer, this figure will double by 2040 so it’s vital to understand the condition. ‘Living with dementia’ is an important way of putting it, there’s no cure but there is management and ways of coping. For instance, Liz Morrison from the Alzheimer’s Society gives some suggestions for preparing for a happy and calm Christmas day.
Christmas can be unpredictable.
Have no expectations. See what happens! One woman says: “Last Christmas my mother-in-law came down to breakfast on Boxing Day already packed and dressed ready to go home! We were surprised, she was confused, so it also took some serious efforts to persuade her to stay at least one more day.”
Be careful with portions
It’s usual to believe everyone loves a huge meal on Christmas Day, this might not be the best way to get someone with dementia into the spirit of the season as they may experience difficulties eating.
Make everyone feel included.
A carer on Dementia Talking Point described one way to do this:
“My mum still wanted to send Christmas cards, so I got her to write her name on a piece of paper. I scanned, resized and copied it then printed them onto computer labels. Mum helped me to stick the labels into the cards so she felt involved.”
Create a quiet room
We can all feel overwhelmed at times, more so for someone with dementia, everyone talking at once, people coming and going. Make sure to create a quiet space to escape to and offer a calm, thoughtful atmosphere. Useful for all the family during a busy day.
Precious memories
Reminiscing can help someone with dementia to maintain their self-esteem, and confidence as well as improving social interactions with others. Making a family photo album or a memory box could be a nice way to spend time together. With iPads and computers it’s much easier to do this. Perhaps a good project over Christmas when children can help and hear family stories at the same time.
Mirrors
Often those with dementia remember themselves as being much younger and confronting their older selves in a mirror is confusing. They can think this is an intruder and get frightened. If possible, cover mirrors, stick a few balloons on or sellotape Christmas cards.
Above all, try to be patient and understanding.
If on the other hand you suspect you are undergoing memory changes, pick up the phone and talk to someone who can give you positive advice.
There are almost 30,000 Dementia Friends in Northern Ireland people who have done a short workshop that explains dementia, its affects and the simple changes people can make to better support a person with dementia, they are there to help.
“We had our Dementia Friendly Awards last week celebrating the people and organisations who are leading and inspiring a change that will transform the lives of people with dementia, challenging misunderstandings, changing attitudes and taking action.” Liz adds: “We want to encourage people to call Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Helpline for free support and advice on 0300 222 1122. Although not available on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day there’s a voice mail directing people to the Dementia Talking Point for support and NHS services for emergencies. Talking Point at forum.alzheimers.org.uk is available 24/7 and there you’ll find someone else in the same boat who can share what works for them.”
For information on dementia and Alzheimer’s Society services go to alzheimers.org.uk
