Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin launches new dementia respite service

News from our partners Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin

Dementia currently affects around 800,000 people in the UK and this is predicted to increase to one million by 2021. One in three over 65 year olds will develop dementia.  

Dementia respite services

In Shropshire there are around 70,000 people aged over 65 with 3,000 diagnosed as living with dementia. Current projections will see this rise to 6,000 by the end of the decade. However, it is estimated that an alarming 1,300 people over the age of 65 are living with dementia in the county without a diagnosis.  

As our population ages, more and more of us will know someone who has dementia, a family member, a friend, a neighbour, we will all meet people with the condition in our daily life. 

From April 2018, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin will run a new dementia respite service at the Choices Housing Association building at Withywood on Ellesmere Road, Shrewsbury. It’s an opportunity for carers to have a full day to do what they would like to do, safe in the knowledge their loved one is being cared for by a trained, experienced caring team. Set in the brand new building with fantastic facilities, the respite service will be every Monday, excluding public holidays 10am – 4pm. 

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said:-

“This is a new dementia service that we feel will really help those living with dementia and offer support to their carers. Our dementia support team know just how important it is for carers to take a break whether it’s to run errands, meet friends, or simply do a spot of shopping. The new building at Withywood is light and airy, it’s a lovely environment to be in, an ideal place to offer respite once a week to families living with dementia. It will also give the person living with dementia important social interactions and opportunities to pursue hobbies and interests, remain active, get involved and form new friendships.”

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin also provide 9 dementia drop in centres across Shropshire giving people living with dementia and their carers the opportunity to get to know new people, share experiences and take part in stimulating activities.  

For more information and to book a visit to look around Withywood with the Dementia Support Team, contact Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on 01743 233123 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/shropshireandtelford