Funding package promises dementia sufferers a new path

People living with dementia in Perth and Kinross will have the chance of a new lease of life thanks to a £50,000 boost from a leading walking charity.

The funding, which has been secured for two years, will go towards Paths for All’s dementia friendly walking project, Care About Walking.

The scheme will work with care homes across the area to improve physical health and mental wellbeing by encouraging group and independent walking, strength and balance exercises, and improvements to care home environments.

Ian Findlay, chief officer at Paths for All, said: “Currently, some residents from care homes attend their local dementia friendly health walk.

“Our work with these care homes has identified a need for care home staff training and resources to help develop more walking, and strength and balance activities suitable for older, frailer adults.

“The £50,000 will enable us to work with 10 care homes in Perth and Kinross to offer person-centred physical activity programmes based around walking and strength and balance exercises.”

Activities will be tailored to residents’ needs following a consultation with taster sessions.

Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership falls service manager, Carolyn Wilson said: “Moving more and walking is important for health and well-being to enable people to enjoy everyday activities. This is particularly important for older frailer people receiving care.

“Paths for All, working alongside the Health and Social Care Partnership, Live Active Leisure and care homes will enable creative and innovative approaches for encouraging more walking and movement to be tested with a view to sharing what works with other care homes.”