90 likes | 222 Views
Developing Local Solutions for Local needs . Dementia café Market Harborough June 2013. Some information about Dementia. NHS own figures suggest 60 % of Dementia is underdiagnosed by GP’s
E N D
Developing Local Solutions for Local needs Dementia café Market Harborough June 2013
Some information about Dementia • NHS own figures suggest 60 % of Dementia is underdiagnosed by GP’s • In 2009 5% of County Population 600,000+ diagnosed with dementia – nearly 9% if under diagnosis is taken into account • Harborough has highest proportion of 65+ age group in County • CMHT estimates that by 2025 10-15% of population will suffer from some form of dementia
How did we get into this? • Father diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago • 88 years old with an 82 year old partner who is caring for Dad • Living independently in Kibworth (partner in Leicester) • Carer ‘burn-out’ evident • Social isolation increasing by the week
What do those with dementia and their carers need? • A place where: • carer and cared for could both attend • people could begin to address their crushing isolation and socialise • share experiences • Listen to ‘expert professionals’ and meet support agency workers • By coming together support each other emotionally
What else did we find • No one organisation was supporting both carer and cared for – most were carer orientated • What carers need in the early stages is somewhere where they can go with cared for to have a bit of fun, social interaction, and information. Somewhere where they can meet others in the same boat. A Dementia café!
How did we Kick-Off • Volunteers funded 3 month trial in Settling Rooms Coffee Bar – based on 2 hour café per month • Massive press and publicity campaign • Worked closely with Community Mental Health Team and Age UK to develop local model of cafe What happened: By month 3 over 25 couples/family members were attending In March 2011 Steering Group formed In April 2011 Group registered as a small charity
Where are we now • 140 members 35-40 regularly attending • Relocated to bigger hall, with better facilities • Developed a Members Resources Bank of books, information and materials. • Working with Rotary Club Harborough to deliver memory workshops at future café meetings.
Where are we now (cont) • Introduced Singing for the Memory Groups in Sept 2011 as a ‘subsidiary’ activity of the café. 35-50 attending • Expanding café concept in Partnership with The Well in Kibworth • Developed Dementia café Website • Working with Schools on dementia awareness for 14-16 year olds
Can the Voluntary sector make a difference? When we started there was nothing in Harborough District for those with early stage dementia and their carers/families Now there is something happening every week, every month throughout the year