Issued: 19 December 2007
New DVD Highlights Groundbreaking Work Of Angus Dementia Service
Pioneering work in Angus to support people with early stage dementia and their carers is highlighted with the recent launch of a DVD promoting awareness of locally-available services. The Angus initiative has resulted in similar schemes being set up in other areas of Scotland.
Awareness of dementia amongst health professionals and the general public has increased significantly during the last ten years. Improvements in diagnosing dementia and advances in medication to treat the condition have helped to raise the profile of the illness. This in turn has led to people consulting their doctor at an earlier stage of the disease.
The early stage dementia service was launched in Angus in 2003 to provide emotional and practical support to people recently diagnosed with dementia, and their carers. The Angus partnership, which includes Angus Council Social Work and Health, NHS Tayside and Alzheimer’s Scotland, fully established the project in 2006.
Angus Council vice-convener of Social Work and Health Alison Andrews said: “When people receive a diagnosis of dementia, they and their families need support in coming to terms with the condition. The early stage dementia service co-ordinators help people newly diagnosed with dementia to receive appropriate support and to access a wide range of services from Social Work and Health and NHS Tayside, as well as the voluntary sector.
“The DVD will be used in a variety of settings to raise awareness of the complex issues faced by those with dementia and their families. It will also enable people with dementia and their carers to find out about the services available, and how these can be accessed.”
The DVD was launched by Alison Andrews, vice-convener of Social Work and Health recently at Beech Hill House in Forfar, a care home for older people. A number of those who helped make the DVD, including people with a diagnosis of dementia and their families, attended the launch.