Link to Alzheimer's Society website for useful advice and information sheets
Link to the Research Institute for the Care of Older People website - Advancing the health and wellbeing of older people
serving Westbury and the surrounding villages
INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICE
provides
information about dementia to suffers or Carers, professionals
and the public
provides simple
advocacy for dementia sufferers and their Carers
raises awareness
about dementia and promotes a better understanding
about it
promotes best
practice amongst Carers and professionals in dementia care
provides emotional
support for Carers and others affected by dementia
signposts sufferers
and Carers to relevant services
Who the service is for
people with dementia, their Carers and others affected
professionals such as social workers, Community Psychiatric Nurses,
GP’s etc
members of the general public
The main office operates 8.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday, whilst the other services are available during the hours detailed within the individual service profiles.
Information:
Alzheimer's Support
has a library of books, videos etc. which can be borrowed. There is a range of
Alzheimer’s Society information and advice sheets and information from other
relevant organisations. Clients can enquire by letter, phone or make a visit to
the office.
information stalls are held at public events such as the West
Wilts Show and local fetes. Staff attend local community lunches.
articles are written in parish magazines.
awareness raising days and conferences are organised. Talks are
given to other agencies such as the WI, Rotary Clubs etc.
training is made available for nursing home staff.
Alzheimer’s Support produces a newsletter (MEMENTO) twice yearly.
This is distributed to Carers and professionals, those who fund us and other
interested persons.
training courses for
Carers (often run jointly with The Research Institute for the Care of the Elderly)
Support to Carers:
Initial contact is often made at the point of diagnosis and most referrals are self referrals. If requested, staff will make an initial home visit and provide ongoing personal support as appropriate. Support is provided in an informal way by providing a listening ear and this can be over the phone or face to face. Staff can refer Carers on to an appropriate service for counselling where necessary.
The Alzheimer’s Trowbridge Carers Group meets fortnightly, is facilitated by Alzheimer's Support staff and supported by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust . This group has information sessions, social activities, invites professionals to meet Carers and holds an annual cream tea.
The Devizes Carers Group commenced in April 2000 and is run jointly with Kennet Carers Association and the Community Mental Health Team in Devizes. It is held monthly and offers social events, speakers on related topics, training courses and emotional support.
Warminster & Westbury Carers Group meets monthly and is run jointly with hospital staff.
In partnership with Carers Support, a Carers Pampering Day is held to offer therapeutic treatments for both male and female Carers.
Campaigning and representation
Staff participate in the following forums:
Carers Strategy Group
Carers Forum
Community lunches
Community Mental Health Team meetings, Devizes, Trowbridge and
Warminster
Care Programme Approach meetings
National Service Framework Planning & Implementation Group for
Older People
Mental Health Planning & Implementation Group
Service development Group for Older Adults
Partnership Training Forum
Consultation processes of Service Strategy Avon and Wiltshire Mental
Health Partnership NHS Trust and Primary Care Trust