Health and Well-being Board learn about the challenges of Dementia
Shropshire’s Health and Well-Being Board took on some challenging tasks recently during a recent awareness session around Dementia.
The Dementia Friends session was delivered by the Alzheimer’s Society, following the April Health and Wellbeing Board meeting where the board was challenged by a representative of the Society to become Dementia Friends.
Dementia Friends is a national initiative that the Alzheimer’s Society is taking a lead on. The Society is working to create more Dementia Friendly communities – places that are more understanding and welcoming of people living with Dementia.
During the session members of the board found out more about what it’s like to live with the condition, and how to turn that understanding into action.
Dementia has been identified as one of the health priorities at national level and in Shropshire’s Health & Well-being Strategy. The HWB Board is currently developing Shropshire’s Dementia Strategy, and some key priorities include:
• Awareness raising from a public health perspective
• Availability of information about Dementia at first point of contact (in Primary Care)
• Early diagnosis and intervention
Councillor Karen Calder, Cabinet member for health said:
“The Health and Well-being Board is committed to raising awareness and standards in Dementia care and taking part in the Dementia Friends session was a great opportunity to lead by example. I am really pleased that so many attended which gave a real insight into the lives of those living with Dementia. I would encourage any relevant staff to undergo this session which will help people understand dementia, and how to help someone with Dementia and make sure they get the services they need.”
Debbie Hill, from the Alzheimer’s Society added:
“As the brain gradually shuts down, people with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. Dementia Friends is about giving more people an understanding of dementia and the small things that could make a difference to people living in their community. From helping someone to find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia on social media, every action counts. Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend.”
“Please come and join Dementia Friends today and become one of the million Dementia Friends all working together to create more dementia friendly communities.”
For more information about Dementia and to become a Dementia Friend contact http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
For more information on dementia and local services, please visit the Alzheimer’s Society website on www.alzheimers.org.uk
