The Dementia Project
This is a new specialist service for people living with dementia. No formal diagnosis is required to access this service.
The need for dementia advocacy has become more apparent with the number of people living with dementia steadily increasing from 750,000 currently to over one million by 2025, according to the Dementia Action Alliance.
At Advocacy for Older People in Greenwich we try to be as flexible as possible and we do not have a time limit on how long we can work with someone. This is vital as people we work with on the dementia project have told us, ‘life is already complex and too fast’.
Mrs H., one of the people we are working with, is in the early stages of dementia and describes how life is at present:
"Life can suddenly become very complicated, frustrating and lonely. Complicated as I understand less how things work, where I put my keys, purse or glasses, why I have suddenly got a freezer in my kitchen, who I need to call and what for, who comes to visit me, what I am meant to do or finish off or start and what date it is. Frustrating because I know I have changed, things are different, my memory isn’t what it used to be and I feel sometimes trapped. Lonely, because I don’t go out as much anymore."
Mrs H. wanted to stay in her flat living independently in the area she has always known and loves, but at the same time she was also concerned about living completely alone. Her advocate was able to look with her at the various housing options available, at all times keeping her preferences in mind and encouraging her to voice her opinions and wishes. When the time came to apply for sheltered housing, Mrs H. was more confident in speaking up for what she wanted and making other professionals involved listen to her wishes.
In the meantime various services have been put in place to help Mrs H. to live as independently and comfortably as possible. The advocate visits regularly, reading her letters to her, writing letters on her behalf, making phone calls and liaising with other services.
The advocates also work with people who live in care homes both on a one to one advocacy basis and in group reminiscence sessions.
Advocacy for Older People in Greenwich is about giving everybody a voice and being heard regardless of their cognitive abilities.
If you or anyone you know would like more information about this service, please contact us by phone or come to one of our drop-ins.
Funded by the City Bridge Trust
