Good Advice On Offer During Dementia Friendly Week

Published on: 25 Feb, 2014
Updated on: 25 Feb, 2014

Dementia Friendly Surrey has teamed up with Guildford Borough Council and partners to host Dementia Friendly Guildford Week, that runs until Saturday.

The mayor opens Dementia Friendly Guildford Week’s hub in Swan Lane.

Its hub for the week is the shop unit, 25 Swan Lane. It is open each day from 10am to 4pm. You can drop in to find out more about dementia and the support services available. The Mayor of Guildford, Diana Lockyer-Nibbs, officially opened the hub on Monday morning.

The risk of dementia can be reuced by healthy eating, exercising and not smoking. In support of Dementia Friendly Guildford week Boots is offering free NHS health checks.

If you’re aged between 40 and 74 and have not had a stroke or been diagnosed with heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes then you’re eligible for a free health check. Call 01483 572114 or drop into the store at 85-89 High Street, Guildford.

On Thursday, February 27, the Older People’s Network South West Surrey will be hosting a Dementia Drop-in Day from 10am to 4pm at St Nicolas’ Church Parish Centre, Bury Street, Guildford.

To find out more or book telephone Voluntary Action South West Surrey on 01483 504626.

On Friday, February 28, drop-in to the Park Barn Centre for an informative and fun coffee morning where you will find out more about dementia and local services and have the opportunity to explore plans for the new Wellbeing Centre, a hub of information and services for anyone worried about their memory or with a diagnosis of dementia.

This event is open to anyone who is interested in finding out more about dementia and local services and you don’t need to book.

Dementia is the term used for a group of symptoms including loss of memory, mood changes and confusion, caused by diseases of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia but there are many different types.

Dementia is not natural part of the ageing process – it is a progressive condition meaning that it gets worse over time. There are 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK. It is estimated that there are more than 1,600 people aged 65 and over, living with dementia in the borough of Guildford, but it can also affect younger people too.

Dementia affects each person in different ways but they may experience:

Problems with memory, remembering what they are doing, or memory loss.

Difficulties in communicating clearly.

Trouble navigating complex or confusing environments.

Difficulty carrying out everyday tasks such as handling money.

They may need a little more help to do everyday things and their family and friends may need support too.

Top ways you can help someone with dementia:

“Can I help you?” and a friendly smile go a long way to put people at ease.

Be patient – give people time.

Be clear – communicate clearly, use gestures and props to help, find a quiet place to talk.

Don’t make assumptions about what someone may want or need – be guided by the individual.

Remember that the little things can mean a lot.

Popping in for a cup of tea, offering to cut the grass or running an errand could make a big difference.

Talk about dementia to friends and colleagues to help reduce the stigma.

Remember the carer, they may need support too.

Research by the Alzheimer’s Society shows that many people who are living with dementia experience feelings of loneliness and isolation and feel that their community doesn’t understand how to help them live well. This is something we need to change.

The majority of people with dementia are cared for at home by a friend or relative and the impact on those carers is considerable.

In Surrey, people with dementia and their carers say that simple changes such as better public awareness and more support to carry on doing the things they enjoy could really help to make life better. The Dementia Friendly Surrey project supports communities to become more dementia friendly and has joined forces with a group of enthusiastic individuals and organisations from the Guildford area to put on Dementia Friendly Guildford week.

Visit the website to find out more www.dementiafriendlysurrey.org.uk.