A recent survey carried out by the Alzheimer’s Society shows that the number of people with dementia in Norfolk is set to increase by up to 38 per cent in the next 10 years.
With 750,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK, the study shows that this number is set to rise significantly within the decade. Results suggest that while it was estimated that there were 12,194 people with dementia living in Norfolk in 2010, by 2021 this number will have reached 17,000.
Chris Carter, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Norwich specialises in the care of older people in their own homes and cares for many clients affected by some form of dementia. Chris is particularly passionate about improving early diagnosis of the disease and believes people need to be extra vigilant in trying to spot any early warning signs.
Chris 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 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 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.”
“Dementia awareness has increased enormously in the area thanks to the publicity surrounding Hammerton Court dementia care unit and the excellent work they are doing. However, we still frequently speak to people who don’t want to admit they are not coping or have decided that their forgetfulness is ‘just part of getting older’ and we really want to stress how important it is to get help in the early stages of dementia. 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 Norwich, please call: 01603 482116 or for more information visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/norwich