Dementia Awareness Week 2017 May 14th-20th

The Alzheimer’s Society is asking everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to unite against dementia for their annual awareness week. In 2017, the week runs from May 14^th to May 20^th. The Alzheimer’s society have reminded us that dementia is set to be the 21^st century’s biggest killer, making it more important than ever to unite and raise awareness, seek advice, fundraise and ultimately, find a cure. There are currently around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, with another 400,000 people potentially living undiagnosed. Barchester are sharing the ways in which you can get involved in raising awareness in May and information on the dementia care available at Barchester’s Memory Lane communities.

How to get involved in Dementia Awareness Week 2017

There are so many different ways to get involved with Dementia Awareness Week 2017. There are events being held all across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in a variety of public locations such as at shopping centres, county shows, libraries, cafes and cathedrals. The events and pop-ups during the week include concerts (singing for the brain), information stands, sporting activities, garden parties, activity days and many more. The Alzheimer’s Society has put together a fantastic interactive map so you’re sure to find an event in your area.

Alternatively, it’s not too late to organise your own event during the week. You can request a fundraising pack from the Alzheimer’s Society – the activity doesn’t have to be large-scale. You could even hold a tea party and ask for donations from your guests - every donation aids in the fight against dementia. Still stuck for ideas? The Alzheimer’s Society website is jam-packed full of fundraising ideas to get you started. Online you will also find digital Dementia Awareness Week materials to download, such as banners and posters.

Celebrities United Against Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Society is supporting their annual push for dementia awareness with a new campaign ‘United Against Dementia’. The Society has attracted some big names to help promote their campaign, including Jo Brand, James Cracknell, Richard & Judy and Robbie Savage. A new TV advertisement will feature the campaign and be aired on both ITV and Channel 4. It also addresses raising awareness of dementia in those under 65. Robbie Savage speaks out about his father being diagnosed at only 58: “People think dementia is an old person’s condition but it isn’t. My Dad was struck down in his prime. Dementia can affect anyone anywhere”.

Dementia Care at Barchester

As an experienced dementia care provider, Barchester strongly supports the need to unite and raise awareness of this devastating condition. We recognise that people living with dementia are able to continue living independently at home with support from a carer or relative. With this in mind, we ensure that the experience at our dedicated Memory Lane communities is as close as possible to the care a person would have received at home. These communities reflect Barchester’s model of care which is based upon the principles of hospitality, comfortable surroundings and high quality care.

Our dementia care blog and news section also promote raising awareness, but don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more about Barchester’s dementia care services in your area.