Care home resident revisits her teaching career to deliver dementia lecture

A Hale Barns care home resident revisited her former career as a lecturer to provide university students with a talk on dementia. 

Ann Johnson, a resident at Care UK’s Halecroft Grange, on Hale Road, returned to the lecture theatre to deliver a talk on living with dementia for students at Manchester University. The nursing students learned how memories are lost, as well as useful tips from Ann on how to overcome communication barriers and positive approaches for those living with the condition.

Ann worked as a nursing sister at Wythenshawe and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, before later sharing her passion for education and knowledge by tutoring nurses at Manchester University. 

After being diagnosed with dementia at 52, Ann, now 68, continues to be an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, which has seen her represent the charity on national radio and BBC Breakfast TV, as well as several talks around the country. In 2012, Ann’s continued efforts in dementia research saw her awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Bolton. 

Commenting on her condition, Ann told the students: “Don’t be scared of the word ‘dementia’, it’s just a word. I may have bad days, but there is life after diagnosis.” 

Suzi Sumegi, General Manager at Halecroft Grange, said: “It was wonderful to see Ann return to the lecture theatre at Manchester University to share her experience of living with dementia with a new generation of nurses. The students were so engaged by her knowledge and experience, alongside her independence and determination to raise awareness of the condition.

“There are currently 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK – and it is estimated that a further 209,600 individuals will develop it this year alone* – making it so important that we continue to research and raise awareness of the condition.” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Halecroft Grange, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

Formerly known as Sunrise of Hale Barns, Halecroft Grange provides luxury, life-enabling care for older people. The highly trained, professional team delivers permanent and short-term residential, dementia and respite care.

For more information on Halecroft Grange, please email Director of Community Relations, Sharon Parkes on Sharon.Parkes@careuk.com or call 0161 8202 779.

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/halecroft-grange.

*Source: alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/facts-media