SCOTS are being urged to reconnect with their parents, as research shows that most people know very little about their parent’s likes, dislikes and memories which could become important in caring for them as they become older.
Says a spokesperson: “A new survey from Bupa care homes has revealed that even if we speak to our parents every day, most of us don’t know our parents as well as we think.”
The survey showed that:
- A staggering 81 per cent of Scots didn’t know whether their father had a pet as a child
- 80 per cent of Scots can’t name their mother or father’s childhood best friend
- Two-thirds couldn’t name their mother’s favourite childhood memory; and
- Almost half of the people surveyed (48 per cent) didn’t even know what food their parents dislike most
The spokesperson added: “With families living busy lives, often far apart, it can be difficult to get together to talk to loved ones about their memories and achievements. The poll showed that 50 per cent of Scots felt that they didn’t see enough of their parents, with 48 per cent citing distance, and 19 per cent long working hours, as reasons why.
“But, sharing our memories and reminiscing with our families is really important and is absolutely vital when helping people living with dementia.
“With around 72,250 people estimated to be living with dementia in Scotland this year, it is becoming increasingly important to understand your loved ones past life, their experiences and achievements.”
Said Dr Graham Stokes, director of dementia care, Bupa Care Services: “The more we understand about a person: from their interests to their likes and dislikes, the better the care we’ll be able to provide for them.
“A person with dementia might not be able to communicate who they are and what they want, and so it’s vital that those looking after them can anticipate their needs by knowing as much about them and their life as possible.”
The Bupa ‘Your Memories Matter’ campaign is coming to Glasgow on 3 February, to highlight the importance of memories in caring for people with dementia.
Dr Stokes added: “We want everyone to start thinking about how much they really know about their parents.
“Ask your mum and dad, or even grandparents, about their most cherished memories; they might surprise you!
“It’s so important that we begin to chronicle our family memories now, because they may become absolutely invaluable in the future.”
Visit www.bupa.co.uk/your-memories-matter for more information and tips on collecting memories.
ENDS
Available for interview -
Dr Graham Stokes, director of Dementia Care, Bupa Care Homes
Notes
Bupa provides care for over 2,650 older people in Scotland, more than 80 per cent of whom are state funded.
Bupa’s is recognised as the UK’s largest provider of care for people living with dementia and is considered to be the only care home operator to have Dementia Champions – carers trained by the Alzheimer’s Society to implement best practice dementia care in Bupa’s care homes.
With no shareholders, Bupa invests its profits to provide more and better healthcare.
Bupa is committed to making quality, patient-centred, affordable healthcare more accessible in the areas of wellness, chronic disease management and ageing.
Bupa also runs care homes in Spain, Australia and New Zealand.
Research Now polled 108 people in Scotland (1432 in the UK) in December 2010.
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