Support for people in Inverclyde who are living with dementia is being highlighted to mark World Alzheimer’s Month.
The international awareness month, backed by Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), takes place in September every year to highlight issues faced by those affected by dementia.
In Inverclyde, the HSCP is at the forefront of improving care having been selected as a demonstrator site for the implementation of the national dementia strategy in 2019.
Since then, staff have been leading the way in the redesign of community based services to support people living with dementia and their carers from the point of diagnosis onwards alongside the Inverclyde Dementia Reference Group and other partner organisations, including Alzheimer Scotland and Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
Part of that process involves raising awareness of the help available locally.
A new, pocket-sized leaflet has been produced in partnership with the dementia reference group to signpost people to a range of services and organisations that can offer support.
Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde’s health and social care convener, said: “World Alzheimer’s Day is an opportunity for us to highlight the support that’s available but also to shine a light on the terrific work being done locally to develop and deliver first-class dementia care.
“Although a small part of the work that’s on the go behind the scenes, this leaflet will become an important resource providing a ‘one-stop shop’ for residents to access the help and support they need.
“Key to improving dementia care is having close working relationships with people living with dementia, as well as their carers, family and friends, and partner organisations to listen to the individual and collective experiences and deliver the necessary change.
“That close collaboration is what makes Inverclyde stand out and makes us a dementia friendly place.”
The new leaflet contains information and contact details of services and support for those living with dementia and carers in Inverclyde.
It is intended to assist people with dementia to manage their condition, to live well and independently at home and stay connected to their local community, including through the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre in Nicol Street, Greenock, pictured.
The leaflet was developed in partnership with the Inverclyde Dementia Reference Group, which is for people living with dementia and their carers to share their stories, ideas, and experiences.
Anyone who is interested in getting involved can call either Your Voice on 01475 728628 or Alzheimer Scotland Inverclyde on 01475 261100.
The leaflet will be available by calling 01475 558000 (press option 1) or can be downloaded online at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/dementia where there is also more information about dementia help and support.
Shown in the picture are,
Brenda Friel, Associate Improvement Advisor, Dementia Care Coordination,
Allen Stevenson, Inverclyde HSCP Interim Chief Officer,
Anne Malarky, Interim Head of Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Recovery and Homelessness Services
Jane Aitken, family carer and member of Dementia reference group
Marie McEleny, Alzheimer Scotland