It can be overwhelming and emotionally draining to care for someone with dementia, but there is lots of support available. If you live in Sandwell, the Dementia Navigators – a new partnership between Crossroads, Agewell and Dementia Pathfinders, commissioned by Sandwell Borough Council and Sandwell & West Birmingham CCG – is here for people living with dementia and their families.
Designed to reach out to people living in the Sandwell community or care homes, with the aim of improving access to diagnosis and post-diagnosis support, the Dementia Navigators aim to fully equip family carers with information, knowledge and skills to enable people with dementia and their families to live well and with meaning and purpose.
During the coronavirus outbreak, Sandwell Dementia Navigators are still taking referrals whilst following Government and NHS precautionary measures. They are also able to help signpost to others who can help with tasks such as shopping for food and essential supplies and delivering prescriptions to people’s homes. In addition, the Dementia Navigators will be directing carers to the Sandwell Dementia Roadmap, which has a wealth of information and guidance to help with short and long term planning.
Crossroads CEO, Chris Christie, said “At the end of what should have been Dementia Action Week (unfortunately postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak) I would firstly like to recognise all of the unpaid carers out there caring for a loved one with memory problems or a dementia diagnosis at a particularly difficult time.
Crossroads have a wealth of knowledge and many years’ experience of helping carers of people with dementia. Now, together with Agewell and Dementia Pathfinders we’re proud to be able to offer the Dementia Navigators service across Sandwell to support even more carers in their caring role.”
CEO of Agewell, Deborah Harrold, added, “Agewell are pleased to be working with Crossroads and Dementia Pathfinders to deliver this vital service for people with dementia and their family carers in Sandwell. This partnership enables us to combine all of our skills and knowledge to provide an excellent dementia support service across the borough.”
Barbara Stephens, CEO of Dementia Pathfinders said, “Our Dementia Navigators are experienced in working with families affected by dementia and they understand fully how the restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 outbreak are causing additional anxieties and stress. Working collaboratively, we are striving to ensure that people living with dementia and family carers receive the specialist support that they need and deserve in this uncertain time. The Dementia Navigators can offer ideas and advice on how to live safely and stay well at home, which is of prime importance in the current climate”.
To find out more about Sandwell Dementia Navigators or make a referral, please visit www.crossroads-caringforcarers.org/sandwell-dementia-care-navigators or call 0121 553 6483 (choose option 6).
For Sandwell’s Dementia Roadmap, please visit www.dementiaroadmap.info/sandwell/#.XsZQNDpKjIU.
