Dementia
Whilst the usual face to face Dementia Friends sessions are currently on hold, free virtual information sessions (lasting around 45 minutes) are going ahead. Find out more or book your free place on the Dementia Friends website. Advice on supporting people living with dementia at home during self-isolation is available via the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Dementia Wellbeing Service and there is further advice and support for those affected by dementia during the pandemic on the Alzheimer’s UK website.
As age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, increasing life expectancy is the driving force behind this projected rise. Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be devastating for the person and their family and friends. It is important that, at this time, the person diagnosed receives appropriate and timely information, care and support to ensure that they and their carers can live as fulfilling lives as possible, and prepare for the future.
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by certain diseases or conditions. Symptoms may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Worcestershire County Council dementia support pages have lots of information on support groups for people with dementia, including young onset dementia.
Living well with dementia
If you have been diagnosed with dementia or are caring for somebody with the condition, there is information available about living well with dementia and finding support near you.
Dementia Connect, Alzheimer's Society's dementia support service, is free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with the right support. From local help to phone and online advice.
The Alzheimer’s Society also have a range of introductory help sheets about dementia topics, as well as more detailed fact sheets and publications.
Become a dementia friend
Dementia Friends has information on how to become a dementia friend, volunteer as a champion or get your organisation involved.
Dementia Friendly Communities
The Alzheimer's Society dementia-friendly programme encourages everyone to share responsibility to help people living with dementia to feel understood, supported and able to contribute in their community.
Kidderminster Dementia Action Alliance relies on local members who are working together to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers in the area, and are working towards being dementia-friendly communities.
Grants
Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire Disabled Dwelling Grant accepts referrals for eligible people living with dementia to have a range of adaptations made to their home. Dementia Dwelling Grants of up to £750 are available and are not means-tested, but are based on the assessment of each individual’s needs.
The funding can be used for changes to the home which help the resident living with dementia to manage their surroundings, for example, from the use of colour and contrast to aid orientation in the home, to bespoke products such as clocks which clearly present the day of the week and whether it’s the morning or night, to items which will help a carer to support the person living with dementia.
The grant is open to anyone living and paying Council Tax in Worcestershire who has a clinically proven diagnosis of dementia and is still living in their own home. Applications are assessed by Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire.