A CARE HOME provider has launched a children’s activity book designed to develop understanding and help children feel less confused when someone close to them is diagnosed with the disease.

Making Sense of Dementia will feature in all 39 of Orchard Care Homes residences and will also be sent to schools in Warrington in an attempt to increase awareness of dementia amongst young people.

It features fun traditional games such as mazes, spot the difference, optical illusions, memory tests and word searches.

Every activity is linked to the challenges somebody with dementia may face, with many pages asking children to question what they could do to help.

By taking part in these activities, children will better understand what living with dementia may feel like as well as help them empathise and bond with family members who have the condition.

Co-author Lorraine Lee, executive director of quality and governance at Orchard Care Homes, said: “I am passionate about making the lives of people with dementia better.

"Making Sense of Dementia will help children understand what it feels like to have dementia and provides them with the tools to make them feel less confused about why the person is changing.

"Our aim was to create a book that will go some way towards helping families stay close to their loved one with dementia – and achieve this in a fun and engaging way.”

The book was written to coincide with the launch of Reconnect in Warrington, a ground-breaking new approach to dementia care by Orchard Care Homes.

Following three years of research and development, the model recognises the importance of relationships, communication, environment, empathy and meaningful occupation to improve resident’s quality of life.

It launches at Green Park Care Home in Great Sankey on Friday, August 30 to empower people living with dementia to retain their identity, in a safe and positive environment.

Green Park has been designed to recognise the needs of people with dementia, with small lounges, in a homely yet therapeutic environment supported by a team of highly trained dementia therapists.

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, added: "The book is very informative, interactive and full of puzzles, questions and activities that give insight and develop understanding in a diverse and entertaining way.

"I hope that this publication will be used in schools and by families to improve young people's knowledge of dementia, and to break down the barriers of fear and misunderstanding that exist about this increasingly common condition.”