MANY people have been touched by the trauma of having a family member diagnosed with dementia. It's an upsetting and frightening time.
This week, I learnt the shocking fact that it has been predicted that by 2021 there will be over 16,500 people living with dementia in West Sussex alone – that's nearly eight per cent of the population over 65.The reason I kno
w this is that I was contacted by Joanne Knowles, a local resident whose mother was diagnosed with the condition last year.
She explained just how isolated her family felt as they began to come to terms with what the future would bring.
Not one to allow a situation to get the better of her, Mrs Knowles did some research and learnt about a course designed for those who have recently received the same diagnosis.
Created by academic staff at University College London, it's designed to build confidence but also to be enjoyable.
A new approach to the idea of brain exercise, it's not only simple but has been recognised by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence as effective.
To cut a long story short, a course for local people will be launched later this month. This is thanks to Mrs Knowles and also Elayne Dunn and Age Concern, who, jointly, will be running the course. It will be run alongside a series of information sessions designed specifically for those who care for people suffering from dementia.
I was delighted to hear about this incredibly valuable new service.
Not only will the course fill a huge gap in support for local people suffering from the early stages of dementia but I found it heart-warming to think that a local person went out of her way to establish this course so that not just her family but others could benefit.
Indeed the reason I thought about writing about this topic was two-fold – to raise awareness of the course and the carer information sessions and also to appeal to anyone or any organisation who may be able to help with funding.
The project will initialling be a year-long pilot programme of three courses, which will cost £10,000 and of which only a small proportion has so far been raised.
So, if you feel that you or a family member may benefit from these sessions at Horsham's new Age Concern Centre, do call CHAT on 07970 994886, drop into the Age Concern Centre, Lavinia House, Dukes Square, Denne Road or contact your GP.
Equally, if any readers have information or ideas concerning funding, please do get in touch with CHAT or Age Concern – I know they'd be delighted to hear from you.
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