Living well with dementia: the value of group-based support by Dr. Rachel Fox

Royal Voluntary Service’s new report conducted with Richard Elsworthy from the 英国伯明翰大学 has revealed a huge shortfall in dementia support services across the country.

We found far too many people affected by dementia are being offered no support following diagnosis, and if they are, often signposted to services miles from home. The impact can be devastating, with those caring for loved ones with dementia feeling isolated, helpless and unable to cope.

It doesn’t need to be this way. ?Support should be available in every area.

Understandably the current focus is on pharmacological treatments which delay and might prevent the disease; but it’s essential we now put equal emphasis on supporting the growing number of people affected by dementia to live well for as long as possible.

One model adopted by Royal Voluntary Service is running dementia support groups in the community, led by professionals and volunteers. These offer a safe space for people affected by dementia to meet on a regular basis, take part in activities to promote physical and cognitive wellbeing and stay connected with their community. For carers, they offer a chance to establish vital peer support networks and importantly, enjoy a few hours respite.

Support like this makes a huge difference. 81% of our group attendees report some form of improvement in their loved one with dementia since joining, including positive changes in mood, appetite, attention and wellbeing. The large majority (98%) of carers who attend said they too have benefitted and experienced an increase in life satisfaction.

The groups, designed to make living with dementia easier, would simply not be possible without the support of volunteers, The National Lottery Community Fund and local and national Charitable Trusts and Foundations - to whom we are extremely thankful.

However rates of dementia are expected to reach 1.4million by 2040 and demand for these services will likely increase significantly. Many of our groups already operate waiting lists.

With additional funding and a mass mobilisation of volunteers, dementia support groups like ours, could be radically upscaled and expanded to benefit more dementia communities nationwide. We think this is achievable, with the research suggesting the public are ready and willing to help. Almost one in four GB adults are interested in becoming a dementia support volunteer (rising to 35% of those who are or were a carer for someone living with dementia). This signifies a potentially vast pool from which to recruit.

You can view more information and read the full report here.