New service delivers support to those living with the effects of dementia

New service delivers support to those living with the effects of dementia

A new service has been launched in Sandwell that provides advice, information, and support across the borough for anyone living with the effects of dementia or a memory concern.

Sandwell Community Dementia Service has been commissioned by Sandwell Council and the NHS Black Country & West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group to deliver the service.

The service comprises nine local voluntary sector organisations, with the lead provider being Crossroads Caring for Carers. The partner organisations are:

• Age UK Sandwell

• Agewell CIC

• Alzheimer’s Society

• BUDS (Better Understanding of Dementia for Sandwell)

• Dementia Pathfinders CIC

• Murray Hall Community Trust

• St Albans Community Association, and

• West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre.

The service is also available to the families and carers of those living with dementia or a memory concern.

Referrals can be made by calling 0121 726 8543, or by emailing care.vn4m2@nhs.net

Following a referral, a Dementia Navigator will establish the individual’s requirements before assigning an adviser based in one of Sandwell’s six towns. They will be assisted by a Specialist Dementia Adviser supporting young on-set and rarer dementia, as well as the Dementia Connect out-of-hours service.

What is dementia?

According the NHS website, dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types.

Dementia symptoms may include problems with:

• memory loss

• thinking speed

• mental sharpness and quickness

• language, such as using words incorrectly, or trouble speaking

• understanding

• judgement

• mood

• movement

• difficulties doing daily activities.

Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for adults, social care and health, said: “Living with dementia or worries about your health can be very challenging and result in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Sandwell Community Dementia Service will work with individuals to seek a clear and early diagnosis of their condition, before delivering tailored interventions, helping people to make informed decisions about the support and care they receive.”

Councillor Maria Crompton, Deputy Leader, said: “We want the people of Sandwell to live well for longer. We are working with our voluntary and community sector partners to create community-based opportunities – such as Sandwell Community Dementia Service – that will ensure the support is in place so that our residents can live healthy lives with their friends and families.”

Sandwell Community Dementia Service opening hours are 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Thursday; Friday 8:30am-4:00pm.

For out-of-hours, evenings, and weekends, please call Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect on 0333 150 3456.