Most people will be affected by dementia at some point during their lifetime. Across Warwickshire approximately 7,600 people are living with dementia and it is estimated that this number will rise ...
Most people will be affected by dementia at some point during their lifetime. Across Warwickshire approximately 7,600 people are living with dementia and it is estimated that this number will rise by around 44 per cent to 11,000 in the next ten years. However, you can take action today to support those living or caring for people with dementia by becoming a Dementia Friend.
Dementia Friends is a nationwide initiative led by Alzheimer's Society and aims to change the way people think, act and speak about dementia using the principle that people with dementia can live well with a little help from others. This can include family, friends and also people living in the local community. Becoming a Dementia Friend helps people learn more about dementia and the small things they can do to help people with the condition. There are already over 2.5 million Dementia Friends in England and 27,000 in Warwickshire. The council has set a target to increase this number further.
Dementia can affect people’s memory and cause difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. These changes are often small to start with, but for someone with dementia they have become severe enough to affect daily life. Those living with dementia and their carers may also withdraw from their local community which may then cause them to become isolated and feel alone.
Warwickshire County Council’s Living Well with Dementia Strategy outlines the county’s approach to helping people understand more about dementia and what they can do to help people with the condition. Working with a range of partners the council raises awareness, encourages dementia friendly communities and supports people to live well while also promoting the benefits of becoming a ‘Dementia Friend’.
Councillor Caborn, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care & Health said:
“Supporting our residents to live healthy and independent lives for as long as possible is a key priority for Warwickshire County Council. Becoming a Dementia Friend will increase your knowledge and understanding of dementia, and the ways that you can really make a difference to the lives of people living with the condition, especially when they are out and about in their local community. We all have the potential to make a difference and do something really positive to support people living with and affected by dementia.
“Across Warwickshire many people have signed up to Dementia Friends and we are moving closer to our target of 30,000. You can still become a Dementia Friend even if you don’t directly know a person with dementia. If you’re interested in becoming a Dementia Friend, there are many ways to get involved, find out more today.”
Living with dementia can be challenging and cause people to become isolated, but Dementia Friends is working hard to change that by creating more supportive and Dementia Friendly Communities. You can help to support those with dementia by becoming a Dementia Friend. With Dementia Friends, no one has to face dementia alone.
Further information
If you’ve been diagnosed with dementia or know someone who has, there is information available about support and services local to you in each district and borough.
Find out more from Warwickshire's Living Well with Dementia website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/dementia
If you prefer a booklet with details of services and support please email:
- For Northern Warwickshire contact: northernareateam@warwickshire.gov.uk
- For Rugby contact: rugby@warwickshire.gov.uk
- For South Warwickshire contact: southernareateam@warwickshire.gov.uk