An Ilkley home care company is helping lift the taboo of dementia in an upcoming event, which will guide people through the challenges that can come from seeing a loved one develop the condition.
Local home care company Home Instead Ilkley is hosting a dementia awareness talk along with a memory support worker from the Alzheimer’s Society. Together, they will discuss a range of important topics, including how best to respond to the symptoms of dementia, the local support available to families, and how to navigate the care system.
There are around 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, with this figure set to rise to 1.6m by 2040. Often, people make enquiries about Home Instead’s care services and have little knowledge about dementia; it’s a subject that they find difficult discussing with family. Home Instead is keen to raise awareness of the condition across the community so that families are prepared and understand how to adapt to support the wellbeing of a loved one.
The dementia talk will take place at the Clarke Foley Community Centre in Ilkley on Monday 4th September from 11.30am until 1.30pm. It is part of a series of ‘Key To Care’ sessions which support anyone keen to learn more about how to help their loved ones overcome the challenges of old age.
Other topics explored at these sessions include wills and power of attorney awareness with Walker Foster Solicitors, as well as scam awareness and keeping people safe at home with West Yorkshire Police, giving people the chance to listen to specialist advice from experts in the issues their families are facing. These sessions will also take place at the community centre at the same time, on the first Monday of every month.
Simon White, Director of Home Instead Ilkley, says: “There are many common challenges that old people can face, dementia being one of them, which don’t get talked about anywhere near enough. It’s easy to understand why people don’t want to think about loved ones getting old and frail, but it’s about time we lifted this taboo and ensured that people are ready if they ever find themselves in this situation.
“We’re so keen to support the community with our Key To Care sessions. Perhaps your elderly loved one’s health has declined rapidly? Or maybe you want to simply prepare for when that time comes? We can support you in whatever stage you’re at. It’s an honour to be a beacon of knowledge for those in need.”
Joe Short, Business Manager at Clarke Foley Community Centre: “We are thrilled to be the venue for the new support cafe and support Home Instead. The sessions tackle some really important topics and issues and we want everyone to feel welcome to bob in and meet the team whilst gathering information.”