Nottinghamshire: dementia case set to rise

It is funding a £350,000 training programme to improve the skills of home care staff working with people with the condition and has pledged a further £262,000 a year on additional support workers.

A Dementia Quality Mark - which rewards and recognises high quality care - has also been introduced and so far has been awarded to 32 local care homes.

“The number of local people with dementia is expected to rise significantly over the next few decades as people live longer,” said coun Muriel Weisz, chairman of the council’s adult social care and health committee.

“As the Council’s dementia care champion, I am committed to supporting people with dementia whether they are in residential care or are being looked after by a carer.

“It can be particularly difficult for families caring for a family member with dementia, so we are now providing support workers in addition to the ongoing care and support that they receive.”

Councillor Joyce Bosnjak, chairman of the council’s health and wellbeing board said: “Dementia is a subject that we need to address as a shared priority across all partners in health and social care, where we will only achieve real success if we all work together.

“There are things though that we can do to help prevent dementia, simple things like eating healthily, staying active and not smoking or drinking. Keeping an active mind, taking exercise and making an effort to keep socially active can also help.

“Some people with dementia don’t have a diagnosis, and aren’t receiving care and support which could help them to manage and live better with the condition. Loss of memory doesn’t mean that you have dementia, but it can be a sign.

“Other symptoms can be things like losing track of conversations or television programmes, feeling confused in familiar situations or forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects. We would advise to talk to your GP if you have any concerns at all.”