Dementia UK is bringing free face-to-face advice clinics back to Lanarkshire, hosted by its Admiral Nurses and open to anyone impacted by dementia.
The charity has again partnered with Nationwide to offer specialist support in a safe, comfortable and private space for people to discuss any aspect of dementia. The clinics are open to anyone affected by the condition, offering life-changing support to families and individuals in the area.
Support in Hamilton and Rutherglen
The team will be in Hamilton and Rutherglen next month to offer tailored support and guidance on all aspects of dementia – from worries about symptoms through to getting a diagnosis and understanding how it can progress.
Lesley Potter, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: “We’re looking forward to returning to Scotland to offer support and advice to families affected by dementia in the area.
“Since the launch of our clinic programme, in partnership with Nationwide Building Society, we have been able to support thousands of people across the country with the lifeline of an Admiral Nurse, helping to ensure no one faces dementia alone.”
Tips for carers
Ahead of the appointments, Dementia UK has shared tips on how to look after yourself while caring for a loved one with dementia:
- Reach out to family and friends – take full advantage of wider support networks
- Find support services – research the support available for unpaid carers and people living with dementia
- Take time for yourself – while it is easier said than done, it is important to take time for yourself as a carer wherever possible, as your needs often fall to the bottom of the list
- Enjoy time with the person you care for – as the person’s dementia progresses, you may find that your caring role overtakes your relationship with them as a spouse, family member or friend. But while your relationship will change, it can still bring you both enjoyment
- Talk to your employer – if you are a carer working a full- or part-time job, it can be helpful to speak with your employer about your caring responsibilities and to discuss flexible working options
The clinics will offer practical and emotional advice on all aspects of dementia – from worries about symptoms through to getting a diagnosis and understanding how the condition can progress.
Nationwide partnership
Nearly one million people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK today. With more people than ever taking on the role of caring for a friend or family member living with the condition, shining a light on the ways in which a person can look after their emotional and physical wellbeing has never been more important.
Caring for a person with dementia can be physically and mentally demanding, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone – Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses are there to support the whole family.
The clinics in Scotland are part of Nationwide’s social impact strategy, Fairer Futures, which addresses four of the UK’s biggest social issues through charity partnerships – family poverty (Action for Children), youth homelessness (Centrepoint), dementia (Dementia UK) and cancer (The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity).
Nationwide is funding 30 dementia specialist Admiral Nurses and is hosting clinics in over 230 Nationwide branches across the country.
Charlotte Kensett, director of customer experience and social impact for Nationwide, said: “Dementia impacts millions of families and that’s why we’re incredibly proud to have brought life-changing support into 230 of our branches and helped more than 30,000 people through our partnership with Dementia UK.
“As a mutual we believe we have a role to play in strengthening the communities we serve and supporting those most in need. Through our social impact strategy, Nationwide Fairer Futures, we’re committed to changing hundreds of thousands of lives for the better.”
The Lanarkshire clinics are:
- Hamilton, 135 Almada Street, ML3 0EX – Tuesday, September 22
- Rutherglen, 232 Main Street G73 2JD – Thursday, September 24
To book a confidential and in-person appointment with an Admiral Nurse in Scotland, visit: www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/how-we-can-support-you/admiral-nurse-clinics/nationwide/
