Following successful pilot tests, a pioneering new service by Alzheimer’s Society, called Dementia Connect, has launched in the Wales and West Midlands region, with the aim of rolling out in stages across the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, by springtime 2022. Dementia Connect, Alzheimer's Society's new personalised support service, means people with dementia are only one click or call away from additional support. The service is free, easy to access, and puts people in contact with trained Dementia Advisers. The objective of the new service is to make life easier by connecting people with dementia to the support they need.
Alzheimer's Society reports that its Dementia Advisers can support people directly by phone or face to face, and connect people affected by dementia to a range of local services and online support. People affected by dementia have told Alzheimer's Society that what they need most is information, advice and one point of contact to guide them Dementia Connect provides: advice with legal and financial documents; emotional support when things get tough; connections with local support groups; help in how to understand and live with dementia; in addition to coping techniques. This service works hand in hand with the clinical and social care that people receive, and helps them to take back control of their lives and live independently for longer.
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, noted that getting the right support can make a life-changing difference to those with dementia. He advised that many people with dementia and their families just don’t know what support is available or struggle to access it and that what they want is someone experienced in dementia who can guide them through it and help along the way. Mr Hughes is of the opinion that no-one should face dementia alone and that, with the right supports in place, such as Dementia Connect, no one would have to. For more information on Dementia Connect visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconne25