Lily Pins

23/06/2026

⚠️ Red and Amber weather warnings for extreme heat have been issued for many parts of the UK until midnight on Thursday June 25.

People living with dementia are likely to be more vulnerable in hot weather, and with potentially record-breaking temperatures on the way, it's vitally important to take extra caution.

If you’re supporting someone with dementia, here are a few things that can help:

Make sure the person is dressed appropriately. Try light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres.

Keep the house as cool as possible. Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day - especially in south-facing rooms. In the evening, open the windows to let the warm air out and the colder air in.

Avoid the midday sun. Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm). Seek out plenty of shade and reapply sunscreen regularly when out.

Find ways to cool off. Help them take a cool bath or shower. Place a washcloth and some iced water nearby to dab themselves with.

Stay hydrated. Leave beakers or jugs of water within easy reach. Provide high-water-content foods like ice lollies, jelly, ice cream, soup, and fruit such as melon.

Ask friends and neighbours to pop in and check the person is ok if you don’t live near them. Perhaps the visitor could stay, have a drink with the person, and make sure the person has everything they need.

📢 Please share so we can keep everyone living with dementia safe in the heat.

22/06/2026

18/06/2026

We love Vera and her giraffes!! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14nixU9SuQW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Vera had no idea she would be getting up close with her favourite animal during her day out ❤️
Full story: https://bbc.in/4uxAEL5

16/06/2026

‘It is my absolute pleasure to share my heartfelt poem with you and I hope that it delivers a message to all those who read it or listen to it, so we all can learn to look through the eyes or walk in the shoes of people with dementia.'

Jo has written this poem about dementia, titled ‘Forget Me Not’.

The poem reads:

I look at your beautiful face but I cannot remember your name ‘cos I forgot,

However I still love you dearly so please forget me not.

Don’t ask me to remember things as my memory is not as it used to be,

Don’t treat me differently as deep down I’m still here - it’s still me!

At times I try to say something, but it’s hard to utter the right words,

Be patient with me, hug me and forgive me when I release emotional outbursts.

There might be instances when I keep repeating myself or stare at a clock,

Come and sit with me, cuddle me, reassure me - forget me not!

When I get agitated and find it hard to sleep at night,

Speak to me softly, hold my hand gently and tell me that everything’s gonna be alright!

I enjoy the outdoors where I can see flowers, trees and the sea which I prefer most,

Don’t leave me, stand beside me, as I get scared if I get lost.

Don’t ask me to tell you what day it is, ‘cos no matter how hard I try to remember, I cannot,

However recall those times when I taught YOU the names of the days of the week, so forget me not!

Sometimes I find it hard to look after myself ‘cos I forgot how,

Please don’t shout at me or scold me as this is how I am now.

When I don’t eat please help me, don’t tell me off and make me cry,

Be compassionate, understand me and do praise me when I try.

Life can be hard, so let’s enjoy the happy times as I don’t know how many moments together we’ve got,

Look after me, make me happy and when the parting time comes, forget me not!

13/06/2026

As a carer, you deserve to look after yourself, too.

But we know that can sometimes be easier said than done when you’re balancing a caring role with the demands of daily life.

There are no easy answers, but it’s important to try and take time for yourself, even if it’s in small ways – like making the most of your breaks at work or listening to music on your daily commute.

It can also help to lean on friends and family, whether that’s asking them to step in so you can take a break, or chatting to someone who understands what you’re going through and can really listen.

And if you’re struggling, speak to your GP. Carers can often reach a crisis point before they realise that they’ve been struggling for a while in their role. But you don’t need to reach breaking point to ask for help, like counselling or extra support services.

Getting help and support before you think you need it is one way to prepare for the future. Some services have waiting lists, so it may be reassuring to know that you have a plan in place.

And if you need support or advice, we’re here for you too. Just give our Dementia Support Line a call on 0333 150 3456.