Dementia sufferers to receive personal care on NHS

NHS

Dementia sufferers and their carers will be offered personal care advisors to help them cope with difficult times, the Government has revealed.

Under the changes announced by the Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, GPs will be specially trained to spot the early signs of dementia and a senior clinician will be appointed in every hospital and care home in England to ensure the needs of dementia sufferers are met.

Approximately 2000 people in Rochdale are currently suffering from the disease, which destroys basic cognitive function, severely affecting memory and the ability to communicate with others.

The Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, who visited Rochdale late last year, said: “In an ageing society, caring for people with dementia is one of the most important challenges we face. I know that for many people diagnosis can be difficult, care can be patchy and without adequate support, families can be under huge stress. All that must change. We owe them, their carers and their families nothing less.”

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, added: "If implemented well, the Government's National Dementia Strategy has huge potential to improve the lives of older people and their carers”.

More information on Dementia sufferers in Rochdale will follow…