Dementia Action Week 2019: Raising Awareness About Dementia
Dementia Action Week ran from the 20th May to the 26th May this year, with people around the UK joining forces to improve the lives of those affected by dementia. Here at Westgate Healthcare, we normally run cake sales to raise money to make everyday life better for those with dementia, and as you’d probably expect, you can imagine that goes down rather well with residents and staff alike!
It’s time to take action
Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia. Almost all of us know someone who is affected by dementia, whether it’s a family member, a friend, a neighbour or a colleague. Currently, there are more than 850,000 people in the UK with some form of dementia, and it’s not just those in their advancing years who suffer. More than 40,000 people in the UK under the age of 65 have now been diagnosed with early onset dementia.
- 42,325 people under 65 have dementia
- 57,753 people aged 65 to 69
- 77,376 people aged 70 to 74
- 125,673 people aged 75 to 79
- 172,227 people aged 80 to 84
- 170,750 people aged 85 to 89
- 124,753 people aged 90 to 94
- 44,969 people aged 95+
No one should face dementia alone
Too many people with dementia report feeling cut off from their community, friends and families and are left to face the disease alone. But having dementia should not lead to an isolated life; that’s what Dementia Action Week is all about. By spreading awareness of dementia, communities are becoming more supportive and that makes it easier for people living with the condition to socialise with their friends and neighbours, take the bus to their favourite shops and cafés and continue the local activities they have always enjoyed.
A specialist dementia care service
At Westgate Healthcare, we offer specialist dementia care services in several of our care homes including Byron House, Riverdale Care Home, Hampden Hall, St Paul’s Care Centre and Westgate House Care Centre. Every one of our dementia care areas has been designed with safety, security and stability in mind so we can offer the highest standard of care without restrictions.
We focus on creating a homely, comfortable setting filled with friendly staff and home-cooked food, and provide sensory gardens, circular pathways and multisensory rooms, as well as stimulating companionship, to keep everyone happy, busy and entertained.
You can find out more about how we care for those affected by dementia in our dementia guide or experience the supportive environment we’ve created for yourself by visiting your nearest dementia care home.
