Dementia Action Week - how can you get involved?

Dementia

Action Week

17 – 23 May was Dementia Action Week which saw communities nationwide raising awareness of dementia. During Dementia Action Week Alzheimer’s Society launched the Cure the Care System Campaign.

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown into sharp relief the fragility of our social care system. Underfunded, diffi cult to navigate, and often costly those who do access it, the social care system was broken long before the pandemic hit. But the effects of the last year have meant that unpaid carers have been under more pressure than ever.

Time and time again we hear from carers who are fi ghting to care for their loved one. With 40% of carers spending more than 100 hours a week looking after their loved one, burnout and exhaustion are all too common. On top of this, many are juggling their careers, families, and their own physical and mental health. Without support, a dementia diagnosis claims more than one life.

This Dementia Action Week, we want to change things. People affected by dementia deserve better. Families deserve support, and reassurance that the social care system will give them the breathing space they so often need. challenges of caring for someone with dementia without support – share with your networks to raise awareness, and help us #CureTheCareSystem

• Become a Dementia Friend by learning a little more about dementia and committing to one small action that will improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

• Sign our petition and download email signatures, zoom backgrounds, posters and more here:

Come and join us as a volunteer, either with families (training course is required) or as a community volunteer and help us out when you can with a variety of jobs, activities and tasks.

Local Statistics:

Less than 70% of people thought to be living with dementia in Hertfordshire have received a diagnosis and Alzheimer’s Society estimate that 18,000 people aged 65+ will be living with the condition in the county by 2025.

Why should businesses become dementia friendly?

Here’s how you can help:

• Spread the word about Dementia

Action Week. This fi lm highlights the Dementia is one of the greatest challenges we face in society today. All businesses can contribute to tackling the social and economic impact of

dementia. From retail to housing, utilities to entertainment, fi nance to transport, all sectors have a part to play.

Two thirds of people with dementia live in the community, not in residential care, and therefore are engaging with local businesses and service providers. We also know that the majority of people affected by dementia, will change their spending habits to support businesses that are more engaged and accessible. louise.bates@alzheimers.org.uk to request a session.

• Download the Alzheimer’s Society

Dementia Friendly Business Guide

here

• Download our sector specifi c dementia friendly resources here

Businesses might also be interested in raising money for Alzheimer’s Society by having a Denim for Dementia day with their staff. More info here

So what can you do to be more dementia friendly as a business?

Become a Dementia Friend – attend or host a free Information Session delivered by Alzheimer’s Society volunteers in which you can learn a little more about what dementia is, how it can affect a person and what are the small things we can all do to help.

Visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk for further information or email