'I looked after my dad after he got Alzheimer's - This is what he taught me'

John Ramsay, who once thrived in the corporate law scene, swapped his high-flying career for a more heartfelt mission after caring for his father with Alzheimer's Disease as a teenager. His dad's diagnosis and subsequent passing left a profound impact on him, leading to his decision to ditch the corporate life and use his personal experience to brighten the lives of patients and their carers through .

In light of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, John shared some invaluable tips he picked up while looking after his dad, aiming to assist others in similar situations. He emphasised the importance of focusing on emotions over words when communicating with loved ones affected by the disease.

John advised: "Think less about the actual conversation and more about the emotions that the engagement is sparking in that person. If talking about is making your loved one happy, then be prepared to have the same conversation about golf a few times. Or if you’ve just taken them out for an ice cream and then half an hour later they ask you to take them for an ice cream just go along with it."

John fondly reminisced about how their fridge was often stocked with lettuces because his dad relished simple errands such as strolling to Sainsbury’s and bringing something home. He elaborated: "The happiness and positive emotions they are feeling are more important than an action that might not make sense to you."

He urged caregivers to refrain from insisting their patients are always right, fixing their mistakes, and highlighted: "This will only evoke negative emotions and feelings inside them. It’s essential to make sure happiness prevails." When his dad took a break from his treks, John cherished the time spent creating happy memories, aligning with his next piece of advice, especially when visiting someone in a care home.

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He advised: "Go prepared. Take photos of friends, family members and holidays with you that you can show to your loved one, or music that they used to love. I used to take a Buddy Holiday CD with me when I visited my dad and the three episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S that he always loved."

Getting the care home involved in your activity plans can be a massive help, especially if they have interactive activities you could engage in with your loved one. This is where John's new role as the managing director of Social-Ability comes into play.

He has developed the Happiness Programme, an interactive light projector game specifically designed to reconnect Alzheimer and dementia patients with their family through fun and laughter. If the care home has an activities coordinator, inquire if there are any interactive activities you could participate in together.

"Our interactive light projector, known as the Happiness Programme, is ideal for this, allowing families to laugh and interact with their loved one without needing to use any words," he added.