alzheimers.org.uk
Supporting people with dementia, their families and carers in Warwickshire Alzheimer’s Society Warwickshire Branch 10 Wise Street Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV31 3AP Telephone: 01926 888899 Email: southwarks@alzheimers.org.uk
Registered charity no. 296645.
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Introd ucing FOOT PRINT our cleve Tracki r new GPS ng SOS b Device wit h utton detec tion fo and falls r wh are ou t and en you about .
A Lifeline unit plugs into your phone line and when the pendant or emergency button on the unit is pressed a call goes through to our 24/7 monitoring centre based in Leamington Spa. Our friendly, highly trained team will take prompt action to organise emergency help and contact friends and family for you. Giving you the reassurance needed for you to live independently.
• Discreet personal alarms • Key safes • Fall detectors
From £3.65 per week
Contact us for more information and to arrange a free 14 day home trial T: 01926 339577 E: lifelineservices@warwickdc.gov.uk www.warwickdc.gov.uk/lifeline
How Can We Help You? Alzheimer’s Society provides a range of support service for people with dementia their families and carers in Warwickshire. Your local Alzheimer’s Society in Warwickshire offers: • Up-to-date information about all types of dementia • Dementia Navigators • Carers Information and Support Programme • Day Support Opportunities • Dementia Cafes • Singing for the Brain® You can also join the Alzheimer’s Society and become a part of a powerful network of support. In becoming a member you will receive all our latest news and updates on progress being made in dementia related research and receive the monthly magazine, Living with Dementia. Membership is free to people with dementia and their carers.
What Is Dementia? Dementia is not a single illness but a group of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. It is more common in people over 65 but dementia can also affect younger people. The symptoms of dementia can include loss of memory, confusion and difficulties with thinking things through, problem-solving and language. Sometimes people are affected by changes in mood or behaviour which is out of character. Dementia is caused by a number of different diseases of the brain the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular dementia is the second most common type. Conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol and diabetes can all increase the chances of developing vascular dementia. It is important these conditions are identified at the earliest opportunity as there may be treatment and support available. Although we would like to thank all of the sponsors within this folder for their support, neither Warwickshire Alzheimer’s Society or Excell Media can recommend or endorse any services or products that they may supply.
Warwickshire Branch Services Alzheimer’s Society provides a range of support services for people with dementia, their families and carers in Warwickshire.
Dementia Cafés Our Dementia Cafés provide a place for people with dementia and their carers to share information and experiences, or to simply have a cup of tea and a chat. Atherstone café Second Thursday of the month 1O.30am-12.30pm at The Partnership Centre, Coleshill Road, Atherstone CV9 1BN Kenilworth café First Saturday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm at The Waverley Day Centre, Waverley Road, Kenilworth CV8 1JL Shipston-on-Stour café First Friday of the month 2-3.30pm at Stour Court, Old Road, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 JHF Stratford-upon-Avon café Third Tuesday of the month 10.30am to 12.30pm at St Andrews Church Hall, Church Lane, Shottery CV37 9HQ Rugby café Third Monday of the month 7-9pm at Betts Hall, Claremont Centre, Rugby CV21 3QE
Dementia Navigators The Dementia Navigator service provides support, practical advice and information to people with dementia, their families and carers. They will work with the person to help them: • Understand dementia • Prepare for the future • Access other support services The Dementia Navigator service welcomes self-referrals, referrals from GP’s and all Primary care staff who feel their patients would benefit from this service.
Memory Walk People of all ages, from grandparents to grandchildren, and even furry four-legged friends are welcome to join us in what is set to be a record breaking year. Register online: www.memorywalk.org.uk
Singing For The Brain® Singing for the Brain® is a stimulating group activity, for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers, which can help with general well being and confidence. You’ll meet others with similar experiences in a relaxed setting and can join in as much or as little as you like. Sessions are held two Tuesdays a month at: Brunswick Healthy Living Centre, Shrubland Street, Leamington Spa CV31 3BD from 10.15-11.15am
What is the Carer Information and Support Programme? The Carer Information and Support Programme is a series of workshops for people caring for a family member or friend with dementia. It provides an opportunity for you to talk in a friendly and confidential environment about your experiences and the impact they are having on you. The workshops aim to provide you with information and support. Topics will include: • What is dementia? • How you can support and care for someone with dementia • The support services that are available • Planning for the future The workshops are run by Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers for a group of up to 12 people who care for a family member or friend with dementia. Respite care during the sessions may be available in your area. Please contact your local Alzheimer’s Society office for more information.
Private Day Care Our day care service is open on a Monday and Friday and we are able to provide as much or as little support as you require from our team of trained staff. Our aim is to help you feel less isolated by promoting interaction and being as involved as possible in an encouraging and friendly environment. A range of activities, games and reminiscence sessions are designed to provide cognitive stimulation, help maintain skills and promote memory and identity with the aim of improving well-being. We welcome referrals from personal budget holders and people paying directly for their own care and support. Please note that charges for this service are: £55 per day and £5 for a hot lunch.
Activity Group A weekly group which offers the opportunity for people with dementia to meet and enjoy stimulating activities in a supportive and friendly environment. Access to the group is via a referral from a social worker.
Worried about your memory? Should I Be Concerned About My Memory? It happens to all of us from time to time. You can’t put a name to a face. You forget where you put your keys. You can’t remember where you parked the car. Most of the time, such slips are a nuisance rather than a sign of something more serious. But if you are worried that your memory is getting worse or if memory loss is beginning to affect your everyday life, it is worth seeking advice. You may also be concerned about someone close to you. It is important to seek advice because, in some cases, memory problems are an early signs of a medical condition such as dementia.
What Can Cause Memory Problems? Memory problems are common. Many of us notice that our memory becomes less reliable as we get older. Stress, depression and certain physical illnesses are just a few of the things that can make memory worse. And, of course some of us are more forgetful than others. But sometimes memory loss can be an early sign of dementia.
What Signs Should I Look Out For? You should seek medical advice without delay if your memory loss is affecting daily life and especially if you: • struggle to remember recent events, although you can easily recall things that happened in the past • find it hard to follow conversation or programmes on TV • forget the names of friends or everyday objects • cannot recall things you have heard, see or read • lose the thread of what you are saying • have problems thinking and reasoning • feeling anxious, depressed or angry • feel confused even when in a familiar environment or get lost on familiar journeys • find that other people are starting to notice or comment on your memory loss For more information, contact our National Dementia Helpline on: 0300 222 1122 or website alzheimers.org.uk/memoryworry
What Is Dementia? The term ‘dementia’ is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and many other rarer conditions. Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding. Memory loss may be caused by other treatable physical diseases that share the same symptoms. It can also be stress or depression.
What Should I Do If I am Worried? If you are worried about your memory talk to your GP. They will listen to your concerns and possibly arrange for further investigation. You may be referred to a local memory clinic or hospital specialist for assessment where a formal diagnosis can be made. If you are concerned about the memory of someone close to you encourage them to visit their GP. You might start the conversation by gently asking the person if they’ve been feeling any different from usual or are struggling with anything. It is important to know that there are many reasons for memory loss apart from dementia. These can include depression, infections and vitamin and thyroid deficiencies. The earlier you seek help the better, as there may be support or treatment available that can help you.
Staying Healthy When someone has dementia, it’s important that they remain as fit and healthy as possible – both physically and mentally. The better they feel, the better life will be for them and those around them. A person’s health and well-being is affected by many different factors. Exercise – Try to find a form of regular exercise that will be enjoyable – ask the GP or occupational therapist for suggestions. Mental health and well-being is as important as a person’s physical health. When someone has dementia they need; reassurance that they are still valued, freedom from as much external stress as possible and appropriate activities and stimulation to help them remain alert and motivated for as long as possible. Eating Well – Eating too little or missing on essential nutrients will reduce a person’s resistance to illness and can make someone with dementia more confused. If someone refuses to eat a balanced diet, the GP may suggest alternatives or may prescribe vitamins or supplements. Tackling Constipation – This is a common problem among older people and those who are less physically active. It can cause pain and discomfort, and can also increase a person’s confusion. If the problem persists consult the GP. Try to avoid the need to use laxatives by taking dietary steps to prevent constipation occurring. A Good Night’s Sleep – We all need a good night’s rest, but dementia can cause people difficulties in getting to sleep. People can become confused about night and day, and may get up in the middle of the night, thinking that it is morning. Limiting daytime naps, reducing fluid and stimulating drinks in the evening, finding soothing and relaxing ways to encourage the person to sleep can help. Medication – In general the fewer drugs someone with dementia has to take the better – both for their dementia and their general health. This includes prescription and over the counter drugs. As soon as possible after diagnosis check with the GP to make sure that the person is not taking any drugs that they don’t need anymore and that they are taking the lowest dose possible. Drugs being used to relieve behavioural symptoms need to be reviewed regularly. If you suspect the medication is increasing the person’s confusion or causing unwanted side-effects tell the GP. Help the person take their medication at the right time and dosage, using box compartments or individual tables marked with day or times. In addition consider the impact the following can have on health: smoking, alcohol, hearing and visual difficulties, teeth and gum health, bone health, mobility and foot care, bone health and depression and anxiety. For a copy of the full factsheet on Staying healthy visit the Alzheimer’s Society website: alzheimers.org.uk or contact your local office on: 01926 888899.
Volunteers Needed! “Without the volunteers who support me, my life would be very different” As a volunteer, you could help us by: • Supporting our services, such as Singing for the Brain, cafés, and activity groups. • Fundraising for local community events to walks and even marathons! • Campaigning online or via our network of local campaign groups. For opportunities please go to: volsmidcentral@alzheimers.org.uk for more information.
Fundraising Fundraising can be an incredibly rewarding and fun experience, and there are many different ways you can get involved. Join or Start a Volunteer Fundraising Group Our local Volunteer Fundraising Groups in Coventry and Warwickshire are made up of like-minded individuals, all raising money for people living with dementia. Join our Coventry, Rugby or Birmingham and Solihull Group to make a difference. Don’t live in these areas? Contact us about setting up your own group. Fundraising at Work There are lots of ways you and your company can support us through fundraising events at work. From, dress down days to organising a charity ball. You could also considering starting a corporate partnership with us for more ongoing support. Legacy and In Memory Giving Giving a gift in memory is a special way to remember a loved one. It honours their memory while giving hope to others who have dementia. You could also leave a Gift in Your Will. If you would like any more information, please contact legacies@alzheimers.org.uk
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. Whether you attend a face-to-face Dementia Friends Information Session or watch our online video, Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about Dementia Friends to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.
Caring For A Person With Dementia
When a person with dementia finds that their mental abilities are declining, they often feel vulnerable and in need of reassurance and support. The people closest to them - including their carers, friends and family - need to do everything they can to help the person to retain their sense of identity and feelings of self-worth. Health If you are caring for someone with dementia, it’s important to help them remain as fit and healthy as possible - both physically and mentally. The better they feel, the more they can enjoy life, making life more pleasurable for both of you. Dressing The way we dress says a lot about who we are. But as dementia progresses people increasingly need more help with dressing. As a carer, if you help the person with dementia to retain their own individual style, you can help them to preserve their identity. Washing For most adults, washing is a personal and private activity. When you are helping someone with dementia to wash it’s important to be sensitive and tactful, and to respect their dignity. Eating Dementia can greatly affect a person’s relationship to food and eating. It is important to do what you can to make sure that the person you are caring for enjoys their food and eats a healthy, balanced diet. Relationships If you are caring for a person with dementia who is close to you, your relationship will change greatly as time passes. You may also experience feelings of grief and bereavement as the illness progresses, not just in the period after the person’s death. There are so many changes that occur along the way when caring for someone with dementia that it can be difficult for carers to deal with their feelings. Other family members, especially children, may also be affected. Changes in Behaviour If you are caring for a person with dementia, you may sometimes find their behaviour confusing, irritating or difficult to deal with, leaving you feeling stressed, irritable or helpless. By learning to understand the meaning behind the actions, you will find it easier to stay calm and deal effectively with the challenges that arise.
General Information What Is Dementia? • Dementia describes different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function. These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe. • There are more than 100 different types of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, affecting 62 per cent of those diagnosed, almost 417,000 people. • Other types of dementia include; vascular dementia affecting 17 per cent of those diagnosed and mixed dementia affecting 10 per cent of those diagnosed. • Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding. Dementia is a terminal condition.
Who is Affected? Alzheimer’s Society is the UK ‘s leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. • Dementia affects over 850,000 people in the UK • One in every 14 of the population aged 65 years and over has dementia. • The total number of people with dementia in the UK is forecast to increase to over 1 million by 2025 and over 2 million by 2051. • There are now 42,325 people with early-onset dementia (onset before the age of 65 years) and 773,502 people with late-onset dementia (onset after the age of 65 years) in the UK. • For those with dementia aged over 60 years, an estimated 55% have mild dementia, 32% have moderate dementia and 12% have severe dementia. • Among people with late-onset dementia, 311,730 (38.7%) are living in care homes (either residential care or nursing homes) and 493,639 (61.3%) are living in the community.
How Much Does It Cost? • • •
The overall economic impact of dementia in the UK is £26.3 billion, working out at an average annual cost of £32,250 per person. The cost of unpaid care for people with dementia in the UK is £11.6 billion, working out as 44% of the total cost of dementia. The total number of unpaid hours of care provided to people with dementia in the UK is worth £1.34 billion.
Research We also fund innovative research in the areas of cause, cure, care and prevention. We work with scientists and people affected by dementia to ensure that the medical and social research programmes we fund have a positive impact on people’s lives.
Where Can You Go For Advice and Information? If you have any concerns about Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia, visit alzheimers.org.uk or call the Alzheimer’s Society National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22. (Interpreters are available in any language. Calls may be recorded or monitored for training and evaluation purposes.)
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Looking for a care home? At WCS Care we believe every day should be well lived. This will mean something different to every person we care for and it’s our job to understand what this looks like for you and help you to achieve it. What’s important to you? Don’t worry about these things... Personal high quality care
Dedicated and friendly staff
Homely feel with a family atmosphere
Appetising meals
Activities led by our enthusiastic Lifestyle Coaches
No hidden charges
...they come as standard – we’re interested in what makes you, you and how to ensure you live a familiar life.
We have 11 homes in Warwickshire for older people and people with dementia, and two homes for people with physical disabilities and long-term conditions. Find out more by visiting our website where you’ll find details for each of our homes and their contact details.
M54
M6
LEICESTER
M42
ATHERSTONE M69 M6
COLESHILL
NUNEATON BIRMINGHAM SOLIHULL
BEDWORTH
M42
M6
COVENTRY
RUGBY
M42
KENILWORTH
REDDITCH
WARWICK
LEAMINGTON SPA
M5
M1
NORTHAMPTON ALCESTER
WORCESTER
MILTON KEYNES
STRATFORD UPON AVON M40
EVESHAM SHIPSTON ON STOUR
BANBURY
Visit www.wcs-care.co.uk Email info@wcs-care.co.uk Call 01926 864 242
/wcscare @WCS_Care Registered charity number 1012788
Sheltered Housing & Extra Care Orbit Heart of England is a dementia-friendly organisation which has 30 sheltered housing schemes across the Midlands, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire, providing support to make sure you live as independently as possible. We have many dementia champions and offer training in dementia support to staff and customers. Orbit has five extra care housing schemes which provide a home for life. This extra support provides an alternative to residential care where possible. To provide support and peace of mind during periods where scheme staff are off site, Careline answers emergency calls from the alarm systems. It is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Alarm systems are available in all of our schemes and Careline also provides lifeline alarms which can be fitted in your own private homes.
For more information please call 0800 678 1221,
Alzheimer’s Society Devon House 58 St Katherine’s Way London E1W 1JX Tel: 020 7423 3500
The Warwickshire Branch provides services and support across the area. • Alzheimer Cafés currently meet in Warwick District, Stratford upon Avon and Rugby providing an opportunity to gain information, support and to meet other people ‘in the same boat’. • Carers’ Groups and Social Groups meet on a monthly basis. • Day Clubs in Henley in Arden, Southam and Warwick Community Support for people with dementia to continue with activities they enjoy, supported by a trained Alzheimer’s Society Support Worker. • Information and Support Department providing telephone and email support and a signposting service on issues relating to dementia. •
Information and Resource Room at the Leamington Spa office providing an extensive range of information for people with dementia, their families, health and social care professionals and the general public.
This brochure was produced by Excell Media The Barn at Westwinds, Bank Lane, Warton, Preston PR4 1AT Telephone: 08450 707040 • Email: admin@excell-media.co.uk www.excell-media.co.uk