www.approachstaffordshire.co.uk
Since 1981, Approach has been providing socialisation, advice, and training to people living with dementia and their carers. During the recent pandemic, we were still available at the other end of the phone, even if we could not be physically together. We are pleased to be offering face-to-face support again now safely.
Approach provides free carers cafes, where over a hot drink and cheesy oatcake carers can offer peer support by sharing experience and stories and get advice to help them and their loved ones. Whilst we cannot meet in person we are offering regular telephone chats and 1-2-1 face-to-face appointments for carers.
Regular free dementia carers’ training provides information to help carers look after their loved ones and also helps the carers look after themselves. Whilst we cannot offer this face-to-face we have adapted to delivering it online with fantastic feedback.
We provide socialisation for people with dementia through our well-being activity program, 1-2-1 service, and day group opportunities.
Our Dementia Well-being Activity Officer creates and distributes activity packs across our heartland to increase interaction and provide conversation and reminiscence. 1-2-1 sessions are held in the home or at locations in North Staffordshire providing guidance and confidence for the carer and person with dementia to use the packs. These are all person-centered with bespoke packs created for a Northern Soul DJ and a Horse Race enthusiast for example.
Our 1-2-1 service can last for anything up to 6 hours a day, up to 7 days a week if required. We enable people with dementia to continue to take part in activities that they enjoy with the help of a support worker and again the carer gets those few hours to themselves. Our support workers are specialised in Dementia Care and many have personal experience looking after people with dementia.
Day group opportunities support people living with dementia in a safe and secure environment for 5 hours a day, breakfast and lunch is served, and transport support as required. The day provides stimulation for the person
with dementia while the carers have time for themselves. However, since the pandemic we are unable to provide daycare to the people who need it the most, we hope to reopen in the near future.
Advice to carers has always been the forefront of Approach, a friendly voice at the end of the phone, that will help you with any questions or if you just need to get something off your chest or shed a tear or two.
There is limited government funding for dementia care and we rely on public donations to keep providing these services to all the people that require our support.
To skydive for free for Approach Dementia Support, we ask for a deposit of £70 and that a minimum of £395 is raised in sponsorship money.
Email Louise Eagle enquiries@approachstaffordshire.co.uk or call 01782 214999 for more information
