Providing support for dementia sufferers and carers is vital for wellbeing

Dr Martha Pollard shows how people living with the condition are helped to stay in the community

Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy 2017-2020 places person-centred, flexible care at the heart of support for people with dementia. It is underpinned by continuing to develop the skills of staff who support people with dementia and carers, through Promoting Excellence and The Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland.

In my role as dementia support and education co-ordinator at the Eric Liddell Centre, a registered care charity and community hub in Edinburgh, I have the privilege of supporting people living with dementia and their carers.

The centre’s aim is to help people remain involved and included in community. Our day care service provides support for up to 70 clients per week who have a diagnosis of dementia.

The importance of recognising the individuality of each person is central. We believe it is vital that people are supported to live well with dementia, which affects not only the person, but also families and other loved ones who frequently become unpaid carers.

Carers may feel overwhelmed by their role. Sometimes they juggle care with work or may need to give up work, and experience the pressure of responsibilities and finance. Some become isolated and stop participating in activities they once enjoyed with a consequent loss in friendships and confidence.

Support to cope with the demands of the role and having a break can help to prolong the time that carers