The hub will be held at the hospice on the first Friday of every month. Everyone is welcome. The main aim of the hub is to provide people with a ‘one-stop shop’ where they can get:
- Information and advice from the memory clinic, nurses and financial planners
- Practical support
- Early intervention
This is a joint initiative between St John’s Hospice, University Hospitals Morecambe Bay Trust (UHMBT) and Lancaster University. The project supports the work of our Better Care Together strategy to help our older and frailer patients.
Dianne Smith, Matron for Dementia at UHMBT, said: “At UHMBT we want to ensure that people with dementia keep healthy, thereby preventing hospital admissions wherever possible. Nurses from the Care of the Elderly Team, and other health professionals will be present at The Bay Dementia Hub, to provide advice and reassurance.”
According to Age Concern Central Lancashire there are currently over 10,000 people in the region who have been diagnosed with dementia, but it is thought that the actual figure of people with the condition could be much higher. This means that thousands of people who could have dementia aren't accessing treatments and support to help them live well with the condition.
This new initiative will seek to build on the existing work of dementia-specialist organisations that already have a strong presence in the area, helping people with dementia to maintain independence in the community.
Sue McGraw, Chief Executive at St John’s Hospice, Lancaster, said: “We are delighted to host the Bay Dementia Hub at St John’s Hospice. For 30 years we have been providing support for people in the local community so we are delighted to continue that work with a group of committed partners who are as passionate as we are that no-one should face dementia alone.”
Dr Penny Foulds, Honorary Researcher at Lancaster University and founder of the Defying Dementia campaign, said: “Research has revealed that early diagnosis can help people and their carers live well with dementia. We recognise people with dementia, and those who care for them, can feel isolated and often don’t know where to turn at what can be a very difficult time. This initiative is about helping our community know where to go for information and services when a diagnosis is made, or even before if they are worried about a loved one.”
The Defying Dementia campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease research at Lancaster University.