THESE are no doubt uncertain and worrying times for the 8,000 people living with dementia in Worcestershire and for those who have a loved one living with the disease. Alzheimer’s Society takes the health and safety of all our service users, staff and volunteers very seriously.
In light of the most recent Government issued guidance, we have made the decision to temporarily suspend all our face to face and group services with immediate effect – we are replacing these with telephone support, increasing this to ensure we support people’s well-being through isolation.
Clearly, it’s important to stop coronavirus spreading while we are concerned that a period of isolation could also be extremely detrimental for people living with dementia. We are therefore looking at how to best stay in touch and support people affected by dementia and will be communicating those plans as soon as we can with our service users.
We want you to know we are still here for anyone affected by dementia. Our Dementia Connect support line remains open on 0333 150 3456 every day and we are exploring ways we can extend the hours we’re available.
Our online community, Dementia Talking Point, where people affected by dementia can receive valuable support, can be accessed online for free, night or day, through our website alzheimers.org.uk.
For up to date information on dementia and our services, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
If you have a loved one, relative, friend or neighbour with dementia who is currently self-isolating, please do keep in touch with them by phone, post, email or Skype.
They may be anxious or worried about the current situation. Tell them that you are thinking of them and encourage others to keep in touch as well, and please keep a note of Alzheimer’s Society’s phone number and do share it with others affected by dementia.
Kumbi Mandinyenya
Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager for Midlands Shire
