The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dementia centre gives users ‘peace of mind’
Around 800 people are diagnosed with dementia every year in Fife. The condition can affect people’s ability to remember, think and make decisions.
And the most common form is Alzheimer’s disease.
A diagnosis often prompts feelings of anxiety among people who have it and those who care for them.
But help is at hand, thanks to Alzheimer Scotland services across the region.
The organisation has just relaunched its offering after moving services online during the Covid pandemic.
And it has a huge resource centre next to Kirkcaldy bus station where you can drop in for advice or an informal chat.
It also organises a whole range of group activities all over Fife, including snooker, walking groups, music groups, fitness and football reminiscence.
Research shows that up to three-quarters of people with dementia saw their condition deteriorate more quickly than expected during lockdown.
According to Alzheimer Scotland locality manager Caroline Mitchell-Wemyss, this is because most people with the condition rely on routine and social interaction.
Caroline is therefore delighted face-to-face services are back up and running.
“We would like to introduce more people to our service so we can help make sure no one faces dementia alone,” she said.
“We have community groups, day care provision, outreach support, information and education available across Fife.
“And we have 23 staff, as well as a volunteer team, who are fab.”
Dementia adviser Faye Smart says anyone is welcome to get in touch, whether or not they have a diagnosis.
“We provide everything from a listening ear to signposting to other forms of support,” she said.
Morag McRaith, from Kirkcaldy, began volunteering with Alzheimer Scotland when her mum died of the condition in 2018.
She loves it and says she gets enormous satisfaction from helping others.
“I started with the arts and crafts group and then I was cooking lunches,” she said.
“I really enjoyed it and it helped me get over the loss of my mum.”
Ronnie Fenton from Cardenden cares for his wife Marilyn, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago.
The 72-year-old says the Kirkcaldy resource centre has helped both him and Marilyn.
“Before Covid, she came to the healthy hearts and hips group on a Tuesday,” he said.
“They also have a flashback Friday where they ask people what they want to hear and see.”
And Ronnie has received practical support, such as help with applying for a blue disabled badge for his car.
He added: “Dementia is a horrible disease. But the centre has given me peace of mind.”
Hugh Hoffman, 78, from Ladybank, agrees.
He cared for wife Doris Rougvie before she moved to a care home, and still receives support from the centre.
“There’s a lot of unknowns and Faye and Janine (dementia adviser Janine Adair) have been helpful with advice.”
Jeanette Lewis, from Kirkcaldy, has received support since getting her dementia diagnosis.
And the town’s resource centre has been a lifeline.
“They recommended I come down here and I thoroughly enjoy it,” she said.
“There’s all different groups and we just have a big laugh.”
The Alzheimer Scotland Kirkcaldy Dementia Resource Centre can be contacted on 01592 204541 or by email fifeservices@alzscot.org
Alzheimer Scotland has a 24-hour national helpline on 0808 8083000.