Liberation Day guidance to help dementia sufferers

Specialist nurses in Guernsey have provided advice on how to care for people with dementia who might be upset by "war themes" during Liberation Day.

The island's dementia specialist admiral nurses, Colette Bonner and Michelle Martel, said the change in routine could also cause "distress and confusion".

They said seeing army vehicles, flags, uniforms, bands and crowds of people could "invoke feelings of stress and fear" for some people with dementia.

The nurses advised carers to be flexible and accept if people with dementia wanted to be "away from some of the main atmosphere".

The nurses said a person affected by the events of Liberation Day may have difficulty managing their distress and anxiety.

They said they might "display behaviours such as anger, crying, pacing or need to withdraw".

Mrs Bonner said people could help reduce distress through "thought and preparation" and responding with "positive dementia skills".

"As with any aspect of dementia, keeping a routine is important to promoting well-being and calmness," she said.

"Liberation Day can see changes taking place which can break away from this routine and induce a sensory overload.

"For example, adding decorations such as bunting or flags to the home can cause confusion for people with dementia getting up in the morning and not recognising where they are."

More information is available on the Government of Guernsey website.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].