September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with World Alzheimer’s Day falling on 21 September each year. September 2018 marks the 7th World Alzheimer’s Month, which is an international campaign to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. It is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Borough Care, the largest not for profit provider of care for older people in Stockport, has over 20 years of experience supporting people with dementia. Nine of Borough Care’s eleven homes are specialist dementia care homes. The company offers dementia support through a range of services, including residential care, active recovery and day care provision.
Mark Ward, CEO at Borough Care, says: “At Borough Care we believe good dementia care is about creating a positive and flexible culture that supports and respects people. We’re committed to understanding the uniqueness of the people affected by dementia and the individual support they and their families need. We provide high quality services and well thought out physical environments that are comfortable and help people with dementia live independently, and in the least restrictive way possible. We are committed to providing care and support that is positively person centred and that reflects the long term, progressive nature of dementia.”
All Borough Care employees, in all roles, have access to ongoing dementia training, education and support. Borough Care’s Dementia Care Champions, supported by Alzheimer’s Society, also ensure workforce development and deliver additional training to both staff and families.
Borough Care’s homes are designed so residents living with dementia can enjoy a homely, comfortable environment, with access to safe outdoor space. A number of the homes have been designed as small villages, with residents having their own real-life cafes, shops, cinemas or pubs to visit – giving a real sense of living in a community.
Globally, dementia is one of the biggest challenges society faces, with nearly 50 million people living with dementia worldwide. In the UK, there are currently around 850,000 people with dementia. Dementia prevalence rates are higher in Stockport than the national average, with over 4,000 people in the borough estimated to suffer with the disease.
