Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming, but specialist nurses are preparing to offer support and guidance to families who may be struggling behind closed doors.
Free face-to-face clinics are set to be held at Nationwide branches across the South West, where dementia specialist Admiral Nurses will provide advice and practical support to anyone affected by the condition.
Run by the charity Dementia UK in partnership with Nationwide Building Society, the sessions will offer a confidential space for people to discuss concerns about dementia, from early symptoms and diagnosis to understanding how the condition can progress.
Nearly one million people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK. With increasing numbers of people taking on caring responsibilities for relatives or friends with the condition, Dementia UK has also issued guidance to help carers look after their own physical and emotional wellbeing.
The charity recommends reaching out to friends and family for support where possible, whether that means asking for help with everyday tasks or simply having someone to talk to. It also encourages carers to research available support services, including requesting a Carer’s Assessment from social services, which may provide respite care or other assistance.
Another key piece of advice is making time for personal wellbeing. Dementia UK says carers should try to maintain hobbies, social connections and regular health checks where possible.
The charity also advises families to continue enjoying time with the person they care for. While relationships may change as dementia progresses, shared activities can help maintain connection and enjoyment.
Carers who are also working are encouraged to speak with their employers about their responsibilities and discuss potential flexible working arrangements.
Lesley Potter, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: “We’re looking forward to returning to the South West to offer support and advice to families affected by dementia in the area.”
She added: “Since the launch of our clinic programme, in partnership with Nationwide Building Society, we have been able to support thousands of people across the country with the lifeline of an Admiral Nurse, helping to ensure no one faces dementia alone.”
Charlotte Kensett, director of customer experience and social impact for Nationwide, said the organisation was proud to host the clinics in branches across the UK.
Charlotte said: “Dementia impacts millions of families and that’s why we’re incredibly proud to have brought life-changing support into 200 of our branches and helped more than 30,000 people through our partnership with Dementia UK.”
She added: “As a mutual we believe we have a role to play in strengthening the communities we serve and supporting those most in need. Through our social impact strategy, Nationwide Fairer Futures, we’re committed to changing hundreds of thousands of lives for the better.”
Appointments can be booked through the Dementia UK website at:
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/how-we-can-support-you/admiral-nurse-clinics/nationwide/?misc=media
The clinics will take place at Nationwide branches on the following dates:
- Tuesday, March 3 and Wednesday, March 4 – Barnstaple
- Thursday, March 5 – Ilfracombe
- Tuesday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 11 – Weston-super-Mare
- Tuesday, March 17, Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19 – Newton Abbot
- Tuesday, March 17, Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19 – Bath
- Tuesday, March 24, Wednesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 26 – Bristol
- Tuesday, March 31 – Bridport
- Tuesday, March 31 – Frome
- Wednesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 2 – Poole
