Support group for care home set up

Qualified counsellor Caroline Whitehurst is forming the group in her spare time to help the family members of residents at Westergate House Care Home with the condition.

Her mother, Freda, lives at the home and Caroline told a recent seminar there the moving story of how her life had been affected by her mother's diagnosis. The comments formed part of an information evening held at the Denmans Lane home about conditions such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

More than 120 people attended. As well as the Mayor Chichester, Cllr Rob Campling, who made an unannounced visit, they included residents' relatives, care home operators, West Sussex health care professionals and members of the public.

Hosted by the home's general manager, Sharon McNamara, the evening was designed to educate people about dementia and offer support to those affected by it.

Dementia is a condition that affects more than 10pc of all people aged over 65. This has a direct practical and emotional impact on family and friends.

In recognition of the needs of people with dementia, a Memory Lane Community was created at Westergate House last year to provide specialist care.

Star of the evening was Dr Al Amaladoss, the consultant in old age psychiatry at Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital.

He captivated everyone's attention with a talk about the various treatments available for those who suffer from dementia. He confirmed the funding from the local NHS for dementia medication.