Dementia UK is calling for people to look out for people with dementia and their families, after experiencing a significant increase in calls to its Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline during this winter period.
Some of the most common problems are social isolation, worry and stress for families living with dementia. The Helpline is therefore urging communities to improve their knowledge of the increased risk to people with dementia during the wintertime.
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through its Admiral Nurse service. When things get challenging or difficult for people with dementia and their families, Admiral Nurses work alongside them, offering compassionate one-to-one support; expert guidance and practical solutions that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
Some important advice from Dementia UK’s Helpline Nurses for communities to support people with dementia during winter includes:
•Checking-in with a person with dementia and their family. Even if you’re a neighbour, just asking if someone’s ok can have a massive impact. You can also check in to see if there are any supplies they need like warm clothing or food
•Getting a flu vaccine for the whole family as soon as possible. Community pharmacies can deliver this in people’s own homes
•Never forgetting the joys of indoor activities if the weather gets too cold and you’re unable to go outside. Puzzles and games can help to engage a person with dementia and can be enjoyed by the whole family, friends and even wider community.
•Speaking to your local council to find out what resources are available or, if you’re not sure how to do that, phone the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline for advice on finding local support networks on 0800 888 6678 or emailing helpline@dementiauk.org
Paulette Winchester-Joseph, Deputy Clinical Lead of the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline, said: “From the calls we receive on our Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline, we know that there are significant challenges faced by people living with dementia and their families during wintertime. Coping with depression, anxiety and social isolation are some of the more common issues but our Admiral Nurses can support families affected by dementia through these tough times.
“This is why we’re urging communities to look out for families who may be vulnerable, including some families living with dementia, and to encourage them to access local resources or groups.”
