September is World Alzheimer’s Month

It is estimated that there are more than 850,000 people in the UK who have dementia. One in 14 people over the age of 65 have dementia, and the condition affects one in six people over 80. During the month of September the aim is raise awareness, educate and highlight issues faced by people affected by dementia.

Caring for someone with dementia can be an intensive, challenging, rewarding and at times a stressful experience. Carers will face different challenges at each stage of the illness. Adjusting to the diagnosis and coping with the changes the illness will bring can cause a great deal of stress. However, if you are well prepared and know what you may need to provide in the way of care it can help a great deal. Having a good support network is also very important.

Support for you as a carer

You may not think of yourself as a carer, particularly if the person with dementia is a partner, parent or close friend. But both you and the person with dementia will need support to cope with the symptoms and changes in behaviour. WAC are here for you. We can offer information, support and advice – call us on 0300 012 4272, or click here to make on online referral. We can also arrange a Carers Assessment for you which will consider in detail the impact of caring on your own health and wellbeing.

Dementia Webinars

Our dementia sessions will give you the understanding of what is going on in the mind of the person you care for. Get expert tips and strategies for de-escalating situations and helping your loved one to live well with dementia. Find out more on our Events page.

Carer Support Groups

Why not take some time out for yourself, make friends and get support from other carers who understand what you’re going through. Click here to find your local WAC group.

Financial & Legal Sessions

Putting financial and legal plans in place now allows the person with dementia to express their wishes for the future. It also allows time to work through the complex issues involved in long-term care. WAC runs regular financial and legal sessions (Legal, Benefits and Preparing & Planning to Pay for Care). These can be booked on our Events page.

Register as a carer with your GP

If your doctor knows you're a carer, they can give advice and support about any physical or mental health issues you may have because of your caring role. Knowing this will also allow your GP to be more flexible in terms of finding appointments that suit you.

Dementia UK: www.dementiauk.org

Alzheimer's Society: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Become a Dementia Friend - learn more about dementia and the challenges people face so you can support them in your community: www.dementiafriends.org.uk

Worcester Dementia Action Alliance is made up of organisations that operate across the city and are working together to make Worcester a Dementia Friendly Community:

www.dementiaaction.org.uk/local_alliances/20687_worcester_dementia_action_alliance

Age UK H&W Dementia Wellbeing Service brings together a number of services and activities which offer support, information and guidance: www.ageuk.org.uk/herefordshireandworcestershire/our-services/dementia-services/dementia-wellbeing-service/

Admiral Nurses Admiral Nurses are registered mental health nurses who specialise in dementia, giving practical and emotional support to family carers, as well as the person with dementia: www.hacw.nhs.uk/services/service/admiral-nurses-31/