Saga Homecare is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Society for national Dementia Awareness Week (20- 26 May) in its ongoing campaign to improve the quality of life for older people in Britain. One in five people will develop some form of dementia in their lives and this costs our economy over £23 billion each year, posing a huge challenge for us all.
New research, commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society and Saga Homecare, reveals that nearly two thirds (66%) of those aged 55 and over are worried about dementia. However, a lack of understanding of the condition is evident as one in five (19%) think there is nothing you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition.
Throughout Dementia Awareness WeekTM Saga is urging people to find out more about dementia. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to reducing symptoms and learning how to live with the condition. Saga Homecare will be hosting fundraising and awareness events across the country this week (in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society) as well as helping its customer base and the 1.6 million readers of the Saga Magazine to better understand the condition.
Saga is dedicated to improving the lives of those dealing with dementia. Last year, for example, it provided 1,000 people with dementia with travel insurance to enable them to take a much-valued family holiday. Saga has also pledged to provide specialist training to over 16,000 carers to help them better identify the early signs of dementia and provide care for more complex needs associated with the condition.
Ros Altmann, Director-General of Saga comments, “As the largest provider of care in the UK, Saga has extensive first-hand experience of providing ongoing support to people with dementia and their families. In April, the Prime Minister committed to improving the lives of those suffering with dementia and their carers in his Dementia Challenge. We have been working with and advising the Government on this policy and the importance of preventative and early treatments.
“It is clear that many people are worried about this condition but they shouldn’t think there is nothing they can do. We want to help people understand dementia better so that they can get preparations in place for them and their family. There are preventative steps we can all take such as leading a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods and keeping our minds and bodies active but it is also vital to spot the early signs of dementia to seek diagnosis and treatments.
“We’re committed to helping the lives of people living with dementia and their families – from providing specialist care to people in their homes to helping people take a well deserved and much needed holiday. This Dementia Awareness Week, we also hope to encourage understanding and early diagnoses which can make all the difference to improving or slowing down the symptoms and improving the so many people’s quality of life.”
