PEOPLE in Liverpool can find out more about dementia at special sessions being held as part of Dementia Action Week 2019.
To be hosted at Sedgemoor Hub, Liverpool City Council’s specialist dementia centre, two drop-in sessions are running on:
• Tuesday 21 May at 1pm, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends
• Thursday 23 May at 10am, led by Mersey Care NHS Trust.
Sedgemoor Hub is at 41, Sedgemoor Road, Norris Green, L11 3BR
The sessions will include advice on how to identify signs of dementia, starting conversations about the condition, what to say and what not to say, and how to connect with groups and organisations that offer support.
Dementia affects around 5,000 people in the city but it is estimated that only half of the people living with dementia have been diagnosed.
People who care for someone living with dementia are also encouraged to contact Liverpool City Council for a carer’s assessment. Carer’s assessments are a chance for carers to speak to a professional about how caring impacts their life, including their health and well-being, and can lead to information and advice, respite support and other services.
To find out more about carer’s assessments please visit www.liverpool.gov.uk/carersassessment or call Careline on 0151 233 3800 for an information pack.
Cllr Paul Brant, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Everyone knows someone who has been touched by dementia. It’s an upsetting condition which can be distressing for the person living with the condition and also for those caring for them.
“These events are a chance for people to come together and find out more about dementia at our superb state-of-the-art facility where the dedicated team offers such brilliant support.
“We have an ageing population in Liverpool and all of the evidence shows there is going to be an increased need for all of us to have awareness around the condition.”
Moira McLoughlin who is a voluntary Dementia Friends champion said: “As always Dementia Action Week is a time when people, organisations, businesses and the wider community are encouraged to improve the lives of people living with dementia.
“One way to do this is to become a Dementia Friend or even organise a Dementia Friends awareness session and learn more about dementia and how you can take action. We would encourage anyone to come along to Sedgemoor Hub to find out more.”
Ste Dollard cares for him mum who is living with dementia: “My mum attends Sedgemoor Hub. The service there is very important to us as it makes my mum happy which makes me happy”
