Specialist dementia health care assistant Janice McKenna is leading a programme of activities - and fulfilling her professional dreams as part of St Mary's Hospice's new dementia service.

Janice first started training to work with dementia patients 10 years ago when her mum Pat was diagnosed with the Altzimers disease.

Already working in healthcare, Janice embarked on a dementia specialism training course because she wanted to be better placed to care for her mum as her condition deteriorated.

Her dad Stan was then diagnosed with vascular dementia and Janice took comfort in being able to help nurse him,using the special skills she had developed. 

Janice said: “When mum was diagnosed I just wanted to be able to understand it. I went on a course to see what I could find out and then I did my NVQs and, eventually, got a diploma.

"It all came in handy again when my dad was diagnosed. It was devastating that he had it too, but at least I was able to help him. I never imagined I’d end up working with dementia patients as my job, it was never about that, not to start with.”

After losing her parents, Janice continued to work at Furness General Hospital and came into contact with St Mary’s when her husband Dave sadly became ill. 

“The hospice team nursed Dave in his final days. They were fantastic with him and when I saw the level of care they were able to give it really was something I thought I’d like to help with.”

Janice was at work when she heard about St Mary’s new dementia service, saying: “It was just perfect. A chance for me to go and work with the people who had been so good to Dave, and use the skills I’d gained so I could look after my parents.”

Since January 2022, Janice has been organising the Memory Lane Cafe events at the Hospice, which happen every other Thursday from 1pm until 3pm.  

“The cafes sessions have been really popular,” Janice said.

“People can come and be left with us by their carers, or their carers can come and join us too. We have different speakers each time, and play different games. There’s something for everyone, and we all have great fun.

“I know how hard it can be caring for a loved one with dementia. You’re isolated and stressed and it’s the worst time of your life. I wish there had been something like what we provide when my parents were ill.”