Wetlands visits aim to help dementia sufferers

PEOPLE living with more rare forms of dementia in Dumfries and Galloway will get out and about at Caerlaverock this autumn. The outings to the WWT site are being organised by Rare Dementia Support (RDS), a charity attached to University College London. It focuses on providing care, support, and wellbeing activities for people affected by seven rare types of dementia. And their visits to the wetlands are aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing for patients, carers, family members, and bereaved people affected by the most rare forms of dementia. The team is hopeful that the initiative will also lead to more people knowing about and signing up to access support with RDS. NHS Dumfries and Galloway dementia consultant Wendy Chambers said: “People living with rarer types of dementia can often feel isolated and alone which can be stressful. “Rarer forms of dementia can present unusual challenges – for the people living with them, their families and their care partners. “This opportunity for in-person support, in the region, is really valuable and I would encourage everyone affected by one of the seven forms of rare dementia to take it up. And I would say to our clinical staff, community health workers, social workers and everyone else who comes into contact with people affected by rare dementias: think about how this would help the people you work with. “Caring for people with dementia is a team effort, and it’s great to be able to work alongside third-sector groups like Rare Dementia Support to help people in the region affected by dementia.” For full details about RDS and the Caerlaverock outing email: [email protected] or call 020 3318 0243.