Notts: Council prepares for double dementia sufferers by 2030

By 2030 the number of people living with dementia in Notts is expected to double from the current 9,700 to 18,400.
David Cameron at the G8 Dementia SummitDavid Cameron at the G8 Dementia Summit
David Cameron at the G8 Dementia Summit

Notts County Council has revealed its shocking prediction following last week’s G8 summit in London which saw world leaders discuss the rapidly growing issue.

The council is currently funding a £350,000 training programme to improve the skills of care home and home care staff working with people with dementia.

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And it is investing £262,000 a year on support workers for carers of people with dementia.

A Dementia Quality Mark has also been introduced which rewards and recognises care homes which offer high quality care for people with dementia.

So far 32 care homes in the county have been given this stamp of approval.

“The number of local people with dementia is expected to rise significantly over the next few decades as people live longer,” said Coun Muriel Weisz, chair of the council’s adult social care and health committee.

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“As the council’s dementia care champion, I am committed to supporting people with dementia whether they are in residential care or are being looked after by a carer.”

“It can be particularly difficult for families caring for a family member with dementia so we are now providing support workers in addition to the ongoing care and support that they receive.”

Coun Joyce Bosnjak, chair of the council’s health and wellbeing board said: “Dementia is a subject that we need to address as a shared priority across all partners in health and social care, where we will only achieve real success if we all work together, the health and wellbeing board can help drive this.”

“There are things though that we can do to help prevent dementia, simple things like eating healthily, staying active and not smoking or drinking. Keeping an active mind, taking exercise and making an effort to keep socially active can also help.”

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“Some people with dementia don’t have a diagnosis, and aren’t receiving care and support which could help them to manage and live better with the condition. Loss of memory doesn’t mean that you have dementia, but it can be a sign.”

“Other symptoms can be things like losing track of conversations or television programmes, feeling confused in familiar situations or forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects. Talk to your GP if you have any concerns at all.”

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