Free Dementia Pathways Project Gives Lifeline to Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Patients and Carers
A free advice and support lifeline has been launched in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot for people living with Dementia, and their carers.
Age Cymru West Glamorgan’s Dementia Pathways Project, which is funded through the West Glamorgan Regional Partnership Board, offers free independent support and advice not available on the NHS, to help people with things like applications for benefits and entitlements and understanding their rights. The service allows people to self-refer or be referred by their GP or healthcare workers.
Connor James, Chief Officer of Age Cymru West Glamorgan, said: “The new fully funded Dementia Pathways Project is designed to give helpful intervention at the earliest possible stage, to empower those who are living with dementia, and their carers, and to enable them to create a carefully-plotted plan that will provide as much independence as possible for as long as possible.
“This invaluable service for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot should also relieve pressure on the NHS at a time of unprecedented demand. Dementia can be a cause of distress for the individual as well as their wider, families friends and carers – but it doesn’t need to be this way, so dealing with its various complex challenges in a way that promotes independence and self-respect is vital. The Age Cymru West Glamorgan Dementia Pathway Project is a valuable tool in making this happen. We urge affected individuals and carers, as well as health and social care professionals, to get in touch today so we can start helping people in our communities who are living with Dementia.”
Age Cymru West Glamorgan supports thousands of people over 50 to live fulfilling lives, manage their daily living and get access to information and advice. Most of these crucial services are supplied free of charge by the charity, within the community.
Mr James continued: “Age Cymru West Glamorgan receives limited Government funding and we are able to offer our services thanks to the kind support of the public. We expect to see a continued unprecedented demand for our services over the winter months so we would ask anyone who is able to support us, to please consider donating to us via the Age Cymru West Glamorgan website or by calling 01792 648886. We know that it has been a tough time for many, but any donation, no matter how small, would be gratefully received in helping to continue providing our vital services, especially whilst the health and social care services are so stretched.”
Individuals, carers or health and social care workers can find out more about the free Dementia service by calling 01792 346377 or emailing dementia@agecymruwestglamorgan.org.uk