UK’s FIRST FULL-TIME DEMENTIA CAFE OPENS IN BROMLEY
THE UK’s first full-time dementia-friendly café has been opened in Bromley town centre by Mission Care, a provider of nursing care for the elderly and those living with the effects of dementia in Bromley.
The café is based in The Mall, a stone’s throw from the high street. The café makes everyone welcome but there is a special focus on providing a safe, relaxed and supportive environment for people living with dementia.
It also provides support for carers, family members and friends through trained staff and volunteers as well as from specialist partner organisations.
Bromley council is also supporting a national campaign run by the Alzheimer’s Society to encourage people to become Dementia Friends and find out how it affects those with the condition and the little things we can do to help make their lives easier.
Cllr Robert Evans, executive member for care services said: “I am very proud the UK’s first full-time dementia-friendly café has opened in Bromley.
“We fund and work closely with our partners to improve the care and experience of those living with dementia.
“Having facilities such as this in the heart of the community has a positive impact in reducing the stigma and fear associated with the condition and gives people the confidence to seek early diagnosis so they can plan for the future and understand the action they can take to maintain their health and wellbeing.”
You can visit www.mylifeportal.co.uk dementia the council’s social care pages, to find a range of information and advice about what’s available to support those with dementia, including details of other dementia cafes across the borough. (Source: Bromley council press release.)
GET DEMENTIA HELP FROM BOOKS
The Reading Agency has worked with experts, people with dementia and carer groups to produce the list of books to provide a ‘self-help’ health and wellbeing service through reading.
The books provide factual information and advice, as well as personal accounts by those who have encountered dementia first hand.
Books are on display in the borough’s libraries. If you are keen to find a specific title, speak to a member of library staff or search online.
For more information, go to www.readingagency.org.uk or visit any Lewisham library. (Source: Lewisham council press release.)
BROMLEY SURVEY ON DEMENTIA
A SURVEY on what it’s like to live with dementia in Bromley – which includes hearing the views of family and carers – is being undertaken by Bromley council.
“In 2015 there will be 850,000 living in the UK with dementia” said a Bromley council spokeswoman.
“A key priority for Bromley council is continuing to work closely with its partners and experts in the field to make sure those living with dementia can get the right services, support and help to live as well as possible with the condition.
“Listening and talking to residents is an important part of working with our partners to shape services and support.
“To this end we are holding a survey to hear what it’s like to live with dementia in Bromley – this includes hearing the views of family and carers. “We particularly want to find out about the experiences of those living in the community rather than a care or nursing home.”
The survey closes on Sunday 15 February 2015 and information about the survey, including how to complete it, can be found on the homepage of the Council’s adult social care website at http://bromley.mylifeportal.co.uk (Source: Bromley council press release.)