New Dementia Advisors will bolster support for people

Posted on 9th August, 2013

People with dementia, and their families and carers, will soon have access to additional help and support with the appointment of five new Dementia Advisors in Torbay. The contract has been awarded to Devon Partnership NHS Trust in Partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society by South Devon and Torbay NHS Clinical Commissioning Group. Dr Colm Owens, Clinical Director for Older People’s Mental Health Services at Devon Partnership NHS Trust, said:  “We are all aware of the challenges posed by our ageing population and the increase in dementia within our communities.  We have been working very hard to provide earlier assessment and diagnosis for people and we know how difficult it can be for families once a diagnosis of dementia has been confirmed.  These advisors will provide an invaluable source of support and we know from other parts of the country that they are highly valued.  The partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society is vitally important as it brings a huge amount of experience and expertise – particularly in supporting people and their families.”   Chris Whitehead, General Manager for Older People’s Mental Health Services at Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care Trust, added:  “The advisors are an important addition to the support that is already available for people in and around Torbay.  As well as having a thorough understanding of the illness itself, they will be able to provide practical help and guidance to people with a diagnosis of dementia.  Crucially, they will also provide real support to families and carers – who play a vital role and can face a number of challenges in caring for their loved one.  Funding this new service demonstrates the CCG’s commitment to tackling dementia and it is a great example of agencies working together to provide joined-up care and support.” Kathy Milosevic, Alzheimer's Society Locality Manager for Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly agrees:  “This is a fantastic opportunity to offer people with dementia and their carers a seamless pathway, from the first visit to their GP, through to a formal diagnosis at a Memory Clinic and the provision of ongoing support. It is imperative that people with dementia receive the right information and help.  Our new dementia guide, which is the first of its kind, offers advice to people recently diagnosed with dementia to come to terms with their diagnosis and to plan ahead for the future. We also offer a range of commissioned services in Torbay, which includes individual and group support in order for people with dementia to live well with the condition.” The new service will be formally launched at the Chadwell Centre in Paignton on
3 September 2013. To view a copy of The dementia guide produced by the Alzheimer’s Society, click here.  To view a copy of Dementia Carers’ Pathway Devon, which includes helpful information about services and sources of support across the county, click here.

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