Dementia Action Week takes place from 17 -21 May and inspires people locally and nationally to take action to improve the lives of those living with dementia.
In Sutton we are proud to be one of only three London Boroughs to have an Admiral Nurse Team, which provides support to those living with dementia. The service also supports people’s families such as respite care, staying safe and living independently to retain a good quality of life for as long as possible.
One example of the impact of the service comes from 73 year old John who had been caring for his wife Joan for 10 years, however having just moved into the borough he was unaware of the support available. He was struggling to cope with feelings of isolation and grief and needed support with understanding his own feelings of loss, while also balancing Joan’s needs.
By spending time with John and building a trusting relationship, the Admiral Nurse Team has helped him to explore and work through his feelings of loss and anticipatory grief. While John has continued to have personal struggles, by working in collaboration with the memory service, mental health and social care, he now has access to a package of care to help support him with his caring role.
Luke Addams, Assistant Director of Adult Social Care said;
‘The London Borough of Sutton’s Admiral Nurse Service has supported families living with dementia in Sutton since 2014. The service has adapted to new challenges and ways of working during the COVID-19 pandemic and was able to respond to over 300 referrals in the past year. We look forward to moving forward, taking lessons from the pandemic to shape how we continue supporting families in the local community.’
Councillor Annie Moral, Dementia Champion and Member of Suttons Dementia Action Alliance said;
‘The Council and wider community has a key role to play in welcoming and supporting families affected by dementia. It is not something we can ignore. The pandemic has added additional pressure to those living with dementia and their carers, many of whom were already vulnerable.
Dementia is one of the biggest challenges our society has today and we all have a part to play to make sure our community is dementia friendly. The Council’s Admiral Nurse Team and our health partners are committed to working together to enrich the lives of families affected by dementia.’
