HEALTH MATTERS
●● WITH Dr Paul Bowen, a GP with McIlvride Medical Practice, Poynton, and executive chair of NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). DEMENTIA Awareness Week 2015 takes place from May 17 to 23.
Organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, it promotes services such as the National Dementia Helpline and an online support forum called Talking Point.
The helpline on 0300 222 1122 provides advice on all forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease and is open 9am to 8pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10am to 4pm at the weekends.
Talking Point is open to anyone affected by dementia and is a place to ask for advice, share information and join in discussions.
Here in eastern Cheshire, we have the fastest growing number of over 65s in the north west.
As people get older, they often develop long-term conditions such as dementia.
That’s why we commission a range of dementia support services in line with our aim to improve the healthrelated quality of life for people with long-term conditions.
For example, we fund dementia advisors employed by the Alzheimer’s Society to work with people who have been diagnosed through assessment at a memory clinic.
We commission Age UK, in partnership with Cheshire Fire and Rescue, to help people with dementia live safely at home.
We have commissioned an advisory service provided by several hospices and dementia charities as part of their end-of-life care packages.
This helps people with dementia to complete practical tasks such as organising power of attorney or writing a will.
We fund a dementia befriending pilot provided by the Royal Voluntary Service in Macclesfield District General Hospital and in the community.
CCG employees have been trained as ‘dementia friends’ and we are working with partners to develop, commission and provide integrated services for people with dementia and for their carers.
Early examples of how this will look different include: ●● Timely access to community-based memory clinics and support from the Alzheimer’s Society. ●● Improved use of telehealth to support people to live safely and well in their own homes. ●● Development of integrated community teams supporting people to manage their long-term conditions and improve their quality of life. FEELING hungry? Remember it’s Workplace Wednesday today, meaning we could be bringing lots of yummy treats to you and your work mates.
All you have to do is text in to win! Simply send your name and the name of your workplace to 60300, start your text with the word SILK and you could be receiving a visit from us.
Make the most of your weekend and join us at the Alderley Edge May Fair. With fun activities for the whole family, including a fancy dress competition, it’s set to be a brilliant day out for all.
For more information on the parade and attractions, head to their web page. Have you seen the ‘101 Things to do at Tatton Park” feature on our website yet?
Not only does it give you lots of inspiration for exciting days out, you can also claim FREE car park entry when you download the printable voucher too.
Don’t forget to tune in Friday morning with Ditchy to find out which petrol station in Cheshire you can find the Fuel Fairy at, who will be waiting with envelopes of cash to top up your tank!