CHARITY
First early onset dementia meeting centre opens for people in Gloucestershire
Lilian Faithfull Care is opening its doors to support people with early onset dementia. The Gloucestershire-based charity has commissioned the first-of-a-kind centre for the county as part of the Meeting Centres UK Support Programme. The elderly population in Gloucestershire is growing – and the number of over-65s due to rise from 136,000 this year to more than 227,000 by 2034. There are currently estimated to be nearly 8,600 people living with dementia in the county and that number is expected to double within the next 20 years. So, every Wednesday the Lilian Faithfull Care team is inviting people who have been recently diagnosed with dementia to visit the centre with their families. Experts' advice will be on hand to help both the individual and those nearest and dearest to them adapt to living with dementia. “The aim of the day is to provide a safe environment to meet with family carers and other visitors for a coffee and chat about experiences since diagnosis,” said Martin Hughes, chief executive of Lilian Faithful Care. “Lilian Faithfull Care’s trained dementia care team will provide an enjoyable and flexible day, built around having fun, adjusting to living with dementia and involving family carers.
“The visits will equip people with useful information, facilitate friendly group chats, have guest speakers, give regular one-to-one guidance, and provide support with practical, emotional and social challenges to family carers. “With a variety of activities designed to help
Martin Hughes
adapt to new daily challenges, to be creative, be active and socialise, such as gardening, art, reminiscence, walking, dancing and outings.” The day also allows for people living with dementia and the family members supporting them to form new friendships with one another for extra support. It is the first ‘Meeting Centre programme’ in Gloucestershire for people and their families hit by the effects of dementia. This new weekly Wednesday programme is an extension of the existing day care service at Lilian Faithfull Care’s Royal Gardens community hub in Cheltenham.
92 | February 2020 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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