#38 Advance Care Planning and dementia with Wendy Mitchell

In this episode it is my pleasure to talk with Wendy Mitchell, bestselling author of “Somebody I Used to Know” and “What I wish People Knew about Dementia”. Wendy also has young onset dementia following a diagnosis aged just 58. We talk about the words that were used when Wendy received her diagnosis and how framing this differently could have significantly improved Wendy’s experience.

We also discuss Wendy’s Advance Care Planning journey and why it is so important to her.

This is an inspirational episode and has learning for us all.

Key messages from guest

• Wendy was diagnosed with young onset dementia aged 58, she describes the lack of awareness of professionals in understanding dementia. 

• Wendy shares how she raises awareness of what it is like living with dementia.

• The psychological impact of words and body language should never be underestimated.

• Wendy challenges us with how we describe living with dementia, choosing to use the words “living as well as you are able” with dementia. 

• Living alone is seen by Wendy as an advantage as she has to find ways of addressing the challenges of dementia. 

• Never give up on yourself, you never know what opportunities may come your way.

Resources

• Access Wendy’s books

  • Wendy Mitchell : Somebody I Used to Know and Wendy Mitchell: What I wish People Knew About Dementia  

• Wendy’s website which am I  today?

• ReSPECT Learn more about ReSPECT 

• Read Clare’s blog: Making my Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment 

• Find out more about a Lasting Power of Attorney

Bio

“I was diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia on the 31st July 2014 at the age of 58 years young. 

Post diagnosis, I was so shocked by the lack of awareness, both in the community and the clinical world, that I now spend all my time travelling around the country raising awareness and encouraging others to speak out in order to reduce the stigma associated with dementia.

I am now proud to be the author of the not one but two  Sunday Times best sellers, Somebody I Used to Know, and What I wish people knew about dementia.

 Who would have thought that possible 8 years ago when I was diagnosed?” - Wendy Mitchell

Find out more about my Bespoke Consultancy

• Service analysis for teams seeking to improve EoLC or prepare for CQC

• End of Life Care Education

• Lasting Power of Attorney Consultancy

• Talks and presentations

If you’d like to find out more about my work contact me.

What one thing will you do?

It would be great to share what resonated with you from this episode, what is the one thing you will do differently? Head to Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn to continue these important conversations.

Thanks to all my guests for working with me to share their knowledge, experience and stories about Advance Care Planning. I hope you enjoyed listening and have insights to take away; I love hearing your reflections on the series and look forward to reviews on Spotify where you can also subscribe to the series.

Clare

Important Conversations about Important Conversations.