Help for people with dementia and their families

This Dementia Awareness Week (19-25 May), Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is highlighting its services that improve the lives of people with dementia across the county.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin host regular dementia support groups for people with dementia and their families or carers in safe and welcoming environments. Our expert team will also be available to answer questions at the Dementia, Hearing & Sight Loss event on 20 May at the Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury.

Dementia is a general term to describe symptoms that occur when certain diseases or conditions affect the brain. Symptoms can vary depending on which underlying condition is causing the dementia and can include memory problems, mood changes and problems with thinking and communication.

Most people affected by dementia are over 65 years old, but it can also affect people younger than this. It’s a very relevant concern for our area as Shropshire has a much older population than England as a whole, with 44% of people in the county being over the age of 50. Estimates also show that Shropshire will have more than 15,000 people over the age of 85 by 2030.

Everyone experiences dementia differently and Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin are striving to help people affected by the condition to live as well as possible. Our dementia support groups meet regularly in Copthorne, Monkmoor, Pontesbury, Ketley Bank, Donnington, Bishop’s Castle and Whitchurch.

“Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin are committed to participating in Dementia Awareness Week and supporting those across the county with dementia,” said Emma Wilde, Wellbeing Manager. “Our members can expect a friendly welcome on arrival and an opportunity to get to know others and share experiences in a relaxed atmosphere. There are also opportunities to ask questions about dementia, while experiencing fun and interesting activities.”

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin also provide a dementia respite service at Withywood, Shrewsbury, which provides time for carers to run errands, meet friends or simply have a few hours to themselves, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being cared for by qualified professionals supported by experienced volunteers.

We can also provide three easy to digest guides to help people with dementia and their families. The Age UK guides contain information about what dementia is and what support is available, as well as practical things you can do around the home to help make life easier and how to care for someone who has dementia. They are free and can be obtained by popping into the Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin office in Shrewsbury, by calling us on 01743 233 123 or by emailing enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk