Course helps families cope with dementia

PEOPLE caring for a relative with dementia at home can find out more about coping with the illness at a free training course in Devizes.

Six weekly sessions will include a look at the different types of dementia, how they can affect people and how to deal with everyday situations that might arise. There is also information on the legal and financial aspects of caring and an overview of the services available to people at different stages of their ‘dementia journey’.

The course is run by independent Wiltshire charity Alzheimer’s Support and funded by Wiltshire Council and NHS Wiltshire. All the speakers are experts in their fields.

Anna Littlechild, chief executive of Alzheimers’ Support, said: “A diagnosis of dementia is difficult thing to come to terms with for both the person affected and their families. Our course aims to help family carers understand more about the illness and to feel better equipped to deal with its effects. 

“We have run these courses in the past and one of the best things is that people meet and make friends with others who are going through similar experiences.”

Councillor Jemima Milton, Wiltshire Council’s portfolio holder for adult care said: “We are delighted to be able to support this initiative with a grant so that carers of people with dementia are better equipped to deal with the challenges they face”

The course will be held at Devizes Town Hall on Friday mornings from September 28 to November 2.  If you would like to come along or to find out please contact Stephany Bardzil on 01225 776481.