Dementia Introduction
The cost of long-term care in the UK for those with dementia is projected to soar from approximately £6 billion in 2010 to £16.7 billion in 2031 (Comas-Herrera, Wittenberg, Pickard & Knapp, 2007). This projection, however, does not include the cost of informal care-giving by spouses and children for elderly individuals with dementia. These financial figures do not give insight into the human cost of dementia, the suffering experienced by both patients and carers, a significant proportion of which (35%) are elderly spouses (Langa et al., 2001).
On an individual level, being diagnosed with dementia, or caring for someone with dementia, can be very challenging. If you are affected by dementia, your first port of call should be your GP.
The Government gateway website
The Government Gateway is a useful, one-stop-shop for finding out more about what support and benefits you
may be eligible if you have, or are caring for someone with dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Society
The UK’s leading dementia charity doesn’t just cover Alzheimer’s but all forms of dementia.
Age UK
Has useful information a range of topics, including dementia and care.
Keeping Mum – Caring for Someone with Dementia
An interesting book adapted from a 2 weekly blog on the Saga website by a daughter of a lady with dementia.
Contented Dementia
Written by Oliver James, is a description of the SPECAL method of dementia care. Controversial, but with some interesting ideas.
TalkingPoint
The forum from Alzheimer’s Society is a lifeline for many carers and people with dementia, with lots of useful information and experiences shared.
Dementia Friends
Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative to inform the public about dementia and how to deal with people they know or meet who may have dementia.
Social Care Institute for Excellence’s Dementia Gateway
A useful site with a range of information and practical advice about dementia.
In the dementia section of our website, you’ll find information on a range of topics:
- Differentiating between dementia and depression
- How to help someone with dementia dress
- How to interact with people with dementia
- Keeping people with dementia safe at home