Care centre launches dementia support hub

A DEDICATED support scheme based at a Chadderton health facility is set to help people affected by dementia and their families.

Staff at Butler Green intermediate care facility, which is part of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, have set up a monthly dementia friendly support group aiming to involve the community and provide information on the best form of care for people with dementia.

The group, which will meet on Friday from 2pm to 4pm, invites service users past and present, relatives, friends and guest speakers to open discussions about a variety of conditions.

Kay Hall, sister at Butler Green, said: “We want to involve as many people as possible in discussions to help develop the best individualised care for all our patients.

“While there is no cure for dementia, it’s important that people spot the signs early and are aware of the different types of support that are available to help people continue with their lives.

“Along with information we have games and activities to help with memory, which also allow patients to socialise, reduce any feelings of loneliness or anxiety and increase awareness about dementia.”

Discussions will involve sharing positive and negative experiences, and giving feedback on how to improve the services, in a ‘cafe-style’ warm and friendly environment to help reduce social isolation.

Different guest speakers will also be invited each month to the meetings, which will take place on the 15th of each month – unless it falls on a weekend – to provide information on a range of topics including managing finances, extra care housing, diet, therapy, exercise, travel and befriending services.

As part of their work on care for dementia, Butler Green has also started to develop a sensory room, which will use art and music on certain themes to help improve memory and support patients with sensory deprivation.

Dementia is caused by a number of illnesses which damage the brain, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, problems thinking and reasoning, or feelings of anxiety and depression.

For more information, contact Butler Green on 0161 716 2855.