Dementia service launched

More help for people with dementia in Lancashire’s communities is to be made available by a leading home care company, as it unveils a dedicated dementia service.

Lytham and Preston based Caring Hands Homecare has launched Dementia Plus as Prime Minister David Cameron ramps up efforts to tackle what he calls a national crisis and “shockingly low” awareness of the disease.

Around 17,600 people over the age of 65 have dementia the county according to the Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust. This is set to grow to 25,600 by 2025. Dementia costs the UK £23 billion each year.

Dementia Plus from Caring Hands Homecare has been driven by a significant rise in demand for information, advice and support from clients and families of the business.

Lisa Reilly, care manager at Caring Hands Homecare, said: “People with dementia have very specific needs and require a tailored package of care services, as no single case is the same. Our Dementia Plus service is all about providing a hub of knowledge for those needing more information, and ensuring we give the highest standards of care to anyone who is diagnosed with dementia.

“All our Dementia Plus staff have dementia care accreditations and a lot of experience in dealing with people who suffer from dementia. It can be an incredibly frustrating disease and knowing how best to combat the stress and pressures on the individual and their family is of utmost importance, which is why experience is so important.”

The Alzheimer’s Society has recently launched a government-backed initiative ‘Dementia Friends’. It is hoped that by 2015 one million people will have been trained to spot signs of the illness and help sufferers. All Caring Hands Homecare staff have already signed up to the scheme.

A Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action - anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend. From helping someone to find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia on social media, every action counts.

Lisa added: “The number of people with dementia is expected to double in the next 30 years because more people are living longer, so it’s crucial that the government do try and get a handle on the awareness of dementia and push it high on the national agenda. We are absolutely facing a crisis, and knowing how to spot the disease and applying the right treatment will ease the burden it causes.”

About the Author

Carl Weathers is a writer who works for various websitses including Caring Hands Homecare