Family carers invited to share personal experiences at the National Dementia Carers Day 2015

Family carers of people who are living with dementia are being encouraged to share their insights and experiences as part of National Dementia Carers’ Day on Sunday 13 September 2015.

The National Dementia Carers Day (NDCD) has been created by SweetTree Home Care Services, Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK to recognise, share and celebrate the care and support carried out by families and informal carers.

Chief executive of Dementia UK, Hilda Hayo, commented: “In the UK two thirds of people living with dementia are living within the community, which means thousands of families and friends are supporting someone close to them to live as well as possible with the effects of dementia.

“The progressive nature of dementia means it can be a time of uncertainty and stress for family members, and can involve dramatic changes in the way a family functions. It can also lead to isolation as the social network of the family starts to reduce.

“By coming together to share experiences and ideas we hope to show families that they are not alone and to highlight those areas where extra support is urgently needed. This falls strongly in line with Government moves to ensure that family carers receive the emotional and psychological support they need.”

The Alzheimer’s Society’s latest statistics reveal that there are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, two thirds of which are supported within the community.

High profile supporters of the NDCD initiative include Prime Minister David Cameron, Sally Greengross and Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England.

The NDCD includes online sharing of individuals’ personal accounts of caring for a loved one with dementia, giving a unique insight into what it is like to be an informal carer. The stories will include challenges that have been faced, how they were overcome and how people are helping their loved ones to live well with the condition.

Members of the public are also encouraged to show their support for a dementia carer they know as part of the national day.

Furthermore advice and ideas for helping someone live well with the condition will be shared on the NDCD website, providing an information hub to help to unite and inform the UK’s informal carers.

Jeremy Hughes, Alzheimer’s Society chief executive, commented on the importance of the initiative. He said: “Alzheimer’s Society is proud to support National Dementia Carers’ Day. This is a great initiative that recognises the important role of informal carers and family caring for people with dementia at home.

“With around 670,000 carers of people with dementia in the UK, who between them save the UK economy £11.6 billion a year through the care they provide, it is important to recognise this vital contribution. Without informal carers providing the care that they do, the health and care system could not function.

“This day will help to raise awareness of carers for people with dementia and celebrate the massive contribution they make in supporting their loved ones.”

Nicki Bones, operations director at SweetTree Home Care Services, added: “National Dementia Carers’ Day is working hard to highlight the efforts of the thousands of family carers who are so often forgotten.

“Bringing people together and raising awareness for dementia is vital if we are to build stronger, dementia-friendly communities where individuals and families feel supported and that they are not alone.”

In February 2015 the Government unveiled its latest scheme to address dementia. The Dementia 2020 challenge aims to undertake further research into dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, while ensuring that carers of people living with dementia are aware of and offered the opportunity for respite, education, training, emotional and psychological support.

For more information and to get involved with National Dementia Carers’ Day please visit www.nationaldementiacarersday.org.uk.

click here for more details or to contact SweetTree Home Care Services