A recent survey carried out by Alzheimer’s Society* shows that the number of people with dementia in Bournemouth and Poole is set to increase by up to 22 per cent in the next 10 years.
With 750,000 people currently living with dementia in theUK, the study shows that this number is set to rise significantly within the decade. Results suggest that while currently there are an estimated 5,244 people with dementia living in Bournemouth and Poole, by 2021 this number will have reached 6,327.
Amanda Baker, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Bournemouth specialises in the care of older people in their own homes and cares for a number of clients affected by some form of dementia. Amanda is particularly passionate about delaying the onset of the disease by early diagnosis and believes people need to be extra vigilant in trying to spot any early warning signs.
Amanda commented: “Dementia is such a wide-spread illness and as our caregivers are frequently visiting the elderly in their homes, we feel it is important for them to not only be perfectly equipped to help sufferers, but also confident in recognising the early warning signs. Our caregivers take part in a comprehensive training course that gives them a range of specialised communication skills to help those who suffer from dementia and confidence to spot the early warning signs of dementia. These early warning signs include: a decline in memory such as forgetting names of friends or familiar objects, a decline in reasoning and communication skills, feeling angry or upset about being forgetful and the gradual loss of skills needed to carry out daily activities.”
The Alzheimer’s Society’s survey results show that by delaying the onset of dementia by 5 years, deaths directly attributable to dementia would reduce by 30,000 per year.
Amanda continued: “We recommend that anyone who suspects that they or a loved one may be showing any of these signs should speak to a GP as soon as possible.”
If you or a loved one is suffering from dementia and would like to find out more about the care at home offered by Home Instead in Bournemouth, please call: 01202 853 197 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/bournemouth.
To contact the East Dorset Alzheimer’s Society please call: 01202 716393.
