Dementia Dwelling Grant wins National Innovation Award

Worcestershire’s Dementia Dwelling Grant wins National Innovation Award

Worcestershire’s partnership adaptations service has received an Innovation Award by the national body for home improvement and handyperson services, Foundations. 

Representatives of the partnership organisations received the award at a ceremony, held in London on Wednesday 18^th July at the House of Lords.

Nina Warrington, Head of Strategic Housing at Worcester City Council, said: “It’s very exciting to receive this national recognition for the innovative approach the City Council and our partners have taken to supporting Worcester residents with dementia. The aim of the grant is to help reduce feelings of confusion and anxiety among people living with dementia, and to allow them to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.” 

The Dementia Dwelling Grant, the first of its kind in the UK, enables people living with dementia to have a range of adaptations made to their home. Grants of up to £750, paid for by the Worcester City Council, are based on the assessment of each individual’s needs. 

Phillip Talbot, CEO of Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire said, “We are delighted that working in successful partnerships can benefit the lives of people with dementia in Worcestershire, and it’s excellent for all staff and volunteers involved to be recognised for their roles in achieving this.”

The grant, now in its second year, is delivered by Care & Repair Worcestershire in partnership with Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire and funded by the six Worcestershire district and borough councils. So far, it has provided 440 people with equipment helping them to live well with dementia.

Kate Curran, Manager of Care and Repair Worcestershire said: “We are so thrilled to have been part of the fabulous work which has led to us being nationally recognised in this way.  Our position in the market is unique in the county as we are the only home improvement agency, enabling people to continue to live safe, warm and secure in their own homes.”

The initial year-long pilot was assessed by the University of Worcester’s Association of Dementia Studies (ADS) and indicated positive findings which led to the service being continued.

Professor Dawn Brooker, Director of the Association for Dementia Studies, said: “Congratulations to Worcester City Council on this prestigious award. The Association for Dementia Studies from Worcester University were pleased to do the evaluation of the project. This award should inspire more Councils across the country to implement grants to enable people with dementia to enjoy living safely in their own homes for longer.”

Teresa Atkinson, Senior Research Fellow at the Association for Dementia Studies added: “Worcestershire has been a real trailblazer in demonstrating how the Better Care Fund can be used creatively to enhance the lives of people living with dementia.  The Dementia Dwelling Grants have demonstrated that even small changes can make a big difference to people with dementia living in their own homes.”

To find out more about the Dementia Dwelling Grant and to book an appointment, please contact the Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire Dementia Advice team:

Phone: 01905 740950 

Email: dementiaadviceteam@ageukhw.org.uk

Picture (left to right):
Philip Talbot - Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire CEO,
Claire Skidmore – Housing LIN
Nicki Matthews - Worcester City Council Strategic Housing Officer,
Kate Curran – Manager Care and Repair Worcestershire,
Nina Warrington – Worcester City Council Head of Strategic Housing