Get Involved in Dementia Awareness Week May 2016
Dementia is a condition that affects millions of people across the world, and 800,000 here in the UK. If you know someone who has dementia, perhaps an elderly relative, this will be an issue close to your heart.
You may be pleased to hear that this year’s Dementia Awareness Week will take place this month. Here’s some more info about the week so you can get involved.
What Is Dementia Awareness Week?
Dementia Awareness Week is organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, which is one of the leading charities for people with dementia and their families and friends. This year, it will be held during the week of May 15th to May 21st.
The main aim of the week is to encourage people to get information about dementia and support from the Alzheimer’s Society, as well as to increase awareness of the condition.
This is important because about 400,000 people have dementia but do not know it. Early diagnosis is essential because the earlier people are diagnosed, the sooner they can prepare properly for their future. They can also find out more about the condition and know that they are not alone and that support is available for them.
How to Get Involved in Dementia Awareness Week
You can help to support the week and make it better than ever. The main way to help is by raising awareness. One of the best ways to do this is to order free booklets and flyers for your local community, and provide them to anyone you know who is facing difficulties with dementia, such as family members, friends and other people in your community.
You can order these materials using order form that you can find online here, and then just email it back to marketing@alzheimers.org.uk.
You could also attend an event, and there will be hundreds of these across the country. These will raise awareness as well as funds, so find out where your nearest event is and go along.
You could even volunteer to help out at an event, or organise one yourself. It doesn’t have to be a big event – perhaps you could invite some local people with dementia to your home to spend the day together along with their carers?
You don’t have to wait until Dementia Awareness Week. If you want any further information about any type of dementia, call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122, or get in touch via email at helpline@alzheimers.org.uk.
Look for Signs of Dementia
Perhaps your life has not been affected by dementia, and your elderly relative may be fine. But you should always be on the look-out for the signs, including short-term memory problems, problems with communicating, and mood swings. If you spot any potential signs, always make sure you get them checked out by a doctor.
Get Specialist Care for Dementia Sufferers
If your elderly relative does develop dementia, the first thing you will want to consider is ensuring they get the care and support they need. Remember that many people can live full and rich lives even with dementia, but that they can often benefit from extra care.
If so, our care workers are specially trained to work with people who have dementia. If you would like to find out any more information, do get in touch and we can help.
