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New approach aims to ease dementia pain
Outreach workers to help sufferers
A NEW service aiming to provide a lifeline for patients suffering with dementia is to be rolled out across the borough in October.
Health bosses at NHS Westminster have joined up with the council to set up a team of outreach workers dedicated to supporting the increasing number of patients suffering with the condition.
Costing £530,000, the community memory team will work closely with GPs to offer early assessment, diagnosis and support. They will be able to offer the latest medication, counselling services and memory improvement techniques.
Current estimates suggest that only a third of those with dementia are diagnosed because it is often dismissed as an inevitable part of ageing.
Dementia, of which the most common form is Alzheimer’s disease, is caused by illnesses that affect the brain. Symptoms can include memory loss, poor concentration and mood swings.
NHS Westminster chief executive Michael Scott said: “This investment will improve the quality of life for older people coping with dementia with a new approach. Recent research has shown that dramatic improvements in memory can be gained by following this level of specialist support. We want to ensure our local residents and carers will benefit from this expertise which will give them the clarity of an early diagnosis and access to specialist help.”
The team will be set up over the summer and is due to be up and running by October.
Councillor Ed Argar, cabinet member for health and adults services, said: “Dementia is becoming increasingly common across the whole of the UK, as we all live longer lives. It’s vital that local authorities work with healthcare partners to put in place the support services needed to help those with dementia, and their families.”
“The introduction of memory assessment services further demonstrates Westminster’s continued commitment to providing the best possible services for our older and most vulnerable residents.
“It is part of the raft of measures we are bringing forward this year, as we deliver on our promise to focus on addressing the challenges of dementia.” |
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