Dementia support on hand for carers at Wick session

The Arun Well-being Team is offering a helping hand to residents by providing a number of information days and links to support organisations for advice on early diagnosis, living with and supporting someone with dementia.

The first event took place in Barnham, on Tuesday, with the next scheduled for Wick Hall, Wick Street, Wick, on Tuesday, July 30, between 11am and 2pm.

There are an estimated 13,000 people in West Sussex currently living with dementia, and the West Sussex Public Health department estimates that more than 3,100 people within Arun District have the condition.

Symptoms include memory loss, mood changes, and problems with communication and reasoning. Dementia most commonly occurs in people aged 65 plus, but can occur at an earlier age.

Getting a timely diagnosis gives people access to treatments that can slow the progression of the condition. It also enables people with dementia and their carers to get support at an early stage, helping them to live well.

Paul Wotherspoon, Arun District Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Arun well-being, said: “I know a number of people caring for a relative or neighbour who has dementia.

“The well-being service is out and about across the Arun area, and is well-placed to offer help and advice on a range of subjects which can help to improve people’s health and wellbeing.”

Arun’s Well-being Team wants to ensure both people with dementia and their carers get the help and support they need to live healthy lives. This may be help to access practical support, advice on healthy eating, or opportunities for exercise or socialising.

The team works closely with a range of partners including the Alzheimer’s Society and Carers Support West Sussex. The Alzheimer’s Society is recognised as having specific knowledge and expertise in supporting people affected by dementia-related issues.

Sue Rennie, Alzheimer’s Society’s support services manager for West Sussex north, said: “As the number of people with dementia in the local area rises, it’s crucial that diagnosis rates improve. An early diagnosis of dementia can make all the difference to people, as it is the first step towards unlocking the treatments and support available.

“Together with the Arun Well-being Team we can really help improve people’s quality of life.

“We can give people with dementia and their carers vital guidance to enable them to live well with dementia.”