If you are concerned about the memory of a loved one or friend is not what it once was, then you may well be looking at this site to learn more and seek out how to get some help.
Whether you have a formal diagnosis, or not, its good to find out more about the help that is available as soon as possible. Below details local groups and services to support carers.
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.
How does caring affect your life?
Although for many carers, caring can have positive and rewarding aspects, there are lots of reasons why caring can also leave you needing support.
Caring can have an impact on many aspects of your life — below we cover some of these topics, and how and where you can access support and information.
Blackpool Carers’ Centre offer people caring for a relative or friend with dementia living in Blackpool or registered with a Blackpool GP a Dementia Awareness course.
The course is designed to increase carers’ knowledge of dementia and improve their confidence to provide care. It also gives an opportunity for people to share their experiences, gain support and learn from others in a similar situation.
Each session lasts for two hours and the course consists of four sessions. Times and days vary so please speak to us first to add your name to the waiting list.
In addition, we provide a fortnightly drop-in for dementia carers. This takes place every other Thursday from 11.30am to 1.00pm. Again this is an opportunity to share experiences and seek support from our workers.
Activities take place at our Carers’ Centre:
Beaverbrooks House, 147 Newton Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8LZ
Telephone: 01253 393748
Pictures to Share is a social enterprise that is dedicated to providing high quality and non-patronising books and activity resources for those with mid to late stage dementia.
Pictures to Share illustrated books have been shown to encourage meaningful communication and provide real enjoyment when little else works, so improving the quality of life.
Pictures to Share products only feature pictures that are more likely to be understood and enjoyed by people with dementia. They are simple, clear and often colourful, with no confusing backgrounds or content that is difficult to interpret. They are chosen because they provide an opportunity for telling stories or for linking in to themes that the person with dementia will recognize.
Here is some recent feedback from a family member:
“Showing the books to my dad when I visit him has made it so much easier for me and Dad. They help to communicate with him and calm him down if he is feeling frustrated. It is great to see him smile when he looks at the pictures. Thank you very much for these books, it is amazing how such a small thing like a book can make a lot of difference.” – Daughter of a dad with dementia.
Website: www.picturestoshare.co.ukEmail Contact: michelle
Herbert Protocol
There is nothing more frightening or distressing than when a loved one, friend, or neighbour fails to return when they should.
For people living with or caring for someone who has dementia, this could be quite common but there are things you can do to prepare for this and signing up to the Herbert Protocol is one of them.
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme being implemented by Lancashire Constabulary in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services and North West Ambulance Service.
It involves carers compiling useful information which could be used by Police and other agencies to search for and locate a loved one in the event of them going missing.
Carers, family members and friends complete the form in advance, giving all vital details including medication required, mobile numbers and places known to visit, along with a recent photograph.
Should that person then go missing, the form can be quickly and easily used to assist the search process.
Find out more on the Lancashire Police website.
