Dementia Action Week 2024

It's the Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Action Week from the 13th to the 19th May. This year its focus is on raising awareness and helping people to get a diagnosis.

There is no doubt that dementia is life-changing, both for those who live with this illness and for those caring for them. The symptoms can range from memory loss and confusion to problems with language and understanding, and often there can be changes in behaviour which can increasingly affect a person’s daily life.

Caring for someone living with dementia can sometimes feel lonely and bewildering so it’s important to know where to find help and support.

If you are worried about changes you have noticed in yourself or in someone else, you can talk to your GP for advice who can then refer you for assessment, if appropriate.

Getting a diagnosis of dementia can give you a better understanding of the condition and what to expect. It will also help you make important decisions about treatment, support and care.

The Alzheimer’s Society who runs Dementia action week (www.alzheimers.org.uk) provides lots of information and excellent advice and can help you find local sources of help, too. They have a dedicated dementia support helpline available on 0333 150 3456.

Another initiative is Dementia Talking Point, an online community where anyone who is affected by dementia can receive valuable support. It’s free, open day or night, and can be accessed online at: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/.

Dementia is life-changing but getting the right help and support can also be life-changing. We firmly believe that is it possible to live well with dementia.

Here at Home Instead South Lakes we are experts in Dementia care and we have a Dementia Champion, Leigh who is also one of our Care Coordinators. She has undertaken various courses, including Champions in Dementia Care, Dementia Care: Best Practice in Pain Management, and City and Guilds Dementia Course. She has also completed her Level 5 in Health and Social Care. Leigh has also learnt a lot from people and understands people’s needs.

Leigh believes the best way to help those with Dementia, is to be a patient, active listener. Look for unmet needs and how to satisfy them.

If you would like more information on how we may be able to help support you or your loved one with dementia, please do contact Leigh on 01539 267220. We also have a fantastic pack of information which is packed full of lots of useful information of local support groups as well as national ones, that we can send you.

To watch some of Leigh’s videos, click this link to visit our YouTube channel!

We are raising money for Alzheimer’s society by doing a Sing-athon with our Home Instead choir on Monday 13th May with Summerhill Care Home from 10:30-11:30. Please do come along and support us and help raise vital funds, or even join in! For more information, click here!

Also look out for our Dementia Awareness event on 18th September at Beetham Nurseries where we will have the Dementia Virtual Tour, The HARRI bus for FREE Health checks on the day and lots of resources and information.