UK families unprepared to cope with the challenges of dementia

Research from leading care provider Bupa Care Homes and the estimates that 40% of people in the UK would be unsure how to care for a loved one who developed symptoms of dementia, as well as being uninformed on what to expect as the condition becomes more advanced.

An ageing population means that dementia diagnosis is predicted to rise over many decades, expected to reach a million people by 2021, currently at 800,000 according to Alzheimer’s Society figures.

Considering that in a large proportion of cases it will be loved ones, not medical professionals, who first spot the symptoms of dementia, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, Jeremy Hughes, is looking to spread the word that help is available:

“One in three people over 65 will develop dementia. It is therefore worrying that so many people would not know how best to support someone. Getting a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t have to be a frightening experience. There is a huge amount of support and information out there which can enable people with dementia and their carers to live well.

“Next month Alzheimer’s Society and Bupa Care Homes are encouraging people to take part in Memory Walk, the charity’s annual fundraising event which sees money go towards local support services for people with dementia and their carers. Together, we aim to help more people living with dementia through the vital funds that are raised.”

An ‘Understand Dementia’ hub has also been launched by Bupa Care Homes, in collaboration with dance choreographer Arlene Phillips whose father was diagnosed with dementia, which will host a series of films focused on guiding families on the issue of care for a loved one.

Director of dementia care, Professor Graham Stokes, comments:

“When families bring a loved one to our care homes, they often tell us how they struggled for many years caring for them – sometimes on their own, with little support. Supporting families and friends of those living with dementia is important so I’m delighted we’re launching the new hub which can be a one stop shop for information and advice.”