Dementia charity launches appeal for better care as worrying Solihull figures emerge - The Solihull Observer

Dementia charity launches appeal for better care as worrying Solihull figures emerge

Solihull Editorial 31st May, 2018 Updated: 31st May, 2018   0

THE NUMBER of Solihull residents over 65 living with dementia is set to increase by a third by 2025 – while a dementia charity has launched an appeal for better care.

The rise means there will be an estimated 4,240 people suffering the condition, Solihull Council figures show.

During Dementia Action Week (May 21-28) the Alzheimer’s Society turned out to raise awareness of one of the borough’s rapidly growing problems.

Alzheimer’s Society staff, volunteers and people affected by dementia united at Birmingham and Solihull train stations, for the second year running.




They aimed to challenge members of the public to take action to support people affected by dementia in the West Midlands.

Staff spoke with passengers and discussed the plight of people living with dementia.


Common problems suffered are the costs of care and the quality of care people can access.

They also distributed dementia awareness stickers to those wishing to show support.

Solihull council reports warn of the economic burden of dementia as the borough’s population continues to age.

These costs include for healthcare, long-term care and informal care.

There are over 31,000 service users aged above 65 in Solihull – and the top 10 per cent (who have the highest needs) are most likely to suffer long-term conditions such as dementia.

The cost of this top 10 per cent amounts to 58 per cent of the total cost in the regional health economy.

Janice Le Tellier, the charity’s operations manager in Solihull said: “It’s been a busy week and a fresh opportunity to raise awareness about dementia for the services we provide.

“Solihull’s prevalence levels of dementia have remained relatively stable over the last few years.

“No person with dementia is the same and Alzheimer’s Society offers dementia support across Birmingham and Solihull.

“Dementia advisors can offer information and support around managing financially, access to benefits, assistive technology and coping methods.

“When people with dementia live alone, their circumstances should be assessed with their involvement and a decision should be made as to whether they need any assistance in the form of homecare.

“We would like to see health and social care workers given training and support they need to deliver quality dementia care.

“We would also like to see the cost of extra care charges for a health condition such as dementia covered by the state as currently there is an inequity between dementia and other conditions.”

For more information call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

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