Home care business Home Instead Calderdale & Kirklees, who have offices in Elland and Huddersfield, have vowed to tackle what they describe as a “dementia health emergency” by running awareness workshops in Calderdale, Kirklees and the Spen Valley.
Home Instead Calderdale carried out research into people’s perceptions of dementia, revealing that 84% of people felt that more should be done to educate families about living with dementia. The findings come from Home Instead’s ‘New Ageing Index’ – a survey designed to uncover the realities of growing old in Britain. Of 1,000 people surveyed, 58% felt the Government should declare dementia a health emergency. Those surveyed also felt that having better dementia treatment options at home would dramatically improve lives. (83%)
In light of this, Home Instead Calderdale & Kirklees which specialises in dementia care for older people at home, is pledging to arm 1,000 people across both regions with dementia awareness and the know-how at a series of workshops, after which they will be better able to support people living with the condition.
Munaf Patel, owner of Home Instead Calderdale & Kirklees said: “50% of our clients are living with some form of dementia so we have a deep understanding of the impact it has on families and those affected. With nearly a million people now living with dementia in the UK, it’s a topic which affects many of us, whether directly or through someone we know. It shouldn’t have to be a taboo subject anymore – we need to educate people and encourage open dialogue about how we support those affected.
“That’s why we’re so passionate about running the workshops – to spread the word about dementia and help families who often feel ‘stuck’ when a loved one is showing signs of the condition. Getting a diagnosis can feel daunting, but we’re here to help guide families through it.”
The workshops are available to book through the Home Instead Elland office and can be delivered to businesses and community groups in Calderdale and Kirklees.
More details about the workshops can be found on the Home Instead Calderdale website at https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/calderdale/blog/dementia-awareness-campaign/
Home Instead has also launched a dedicated YouTube channel ‘Home Truths’ designed to highlight the ‘real’ side of living with dementia. The channel features personal stories, helpful tips and advice to support people on this journey.
Visit youtube.co.uk/homeinsteaduk to learn more or search ‘HomeTruthsDementia’ on social media.
