Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington

A group of ladies have come together to offer each other invaluable support as carers of partners attending Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington’s Dementia Day Care.

The charity provides a range of services and activities for older people, including those living with dementia and their carers.

One of the services they offer is Day Care for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, where they can enjoy socialising, crafts, games, and exercise in a safe and stimulating environment. The centre also gives carers, who are often spouses, a much-needed break from their demanding roles and a chance to meet other people in similar situations.

Judy Yeoman, 83, from Darlington, is one of the carers who meets other carers at least once a month while her husband Campbell, 90, who has Alzheimer’s disease, attends day care.

She says: “The Day Care is the best thing that’s happened to him, as he’s so much more outgoing. I didn’t think he’d like it but he definitely looks forward to it.” Judy herself looks forward to meeting other carers every few weeks for a chat and cup of tea while their partners attend Day Care.

She says: “It’s about finding a safe space to have that support from people who truly understand what you’re going through.”

Josie Lee, 74, also from Darlington, is another carer who benefits from the Day Care centre and the ladies group. Her husband Bob, 83, has Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and enjoys crafts and socialising with ‘the boys’ at the centre.

Josie says: “The Day Care here was a godsend. Bob loves coming here and I get a break too.” Josie, who used to work as a professional carer for the local council, adds: “It’s wonderful to have found this place. Residential care is so very scarce and you can’t and shouldn’t rely on family too much as they have their own lives.

“Unofficial carers are so undervalued that it’s important to have that recognition, that help and that support. Our little group is an absolute godsend. It’s an opportunity to lean on each other and share stories and have that non-judgmental support that we really need.”

Helen Hunter, CEO of Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, says: “We are proud to offer this service to people with dementia and their carers in our community. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are serious and complex conditions that affect not only the individuals but also their families and carers. They can cause memory loss, confusion, personality change, and difficulties with daily activities. There is currently no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but research is ongoing to find better treatments and prevention strategies. In the meantime, we are here to provide information, advice, and services for people living with these conditions and their loved ones.”

According to The Alzheimer’s Association, more than 1 million people in the UK are living with dementia, and this number is expected to rise in the future. Of all deaths registered in 2019 in England and Wales, 66,424 (12.5%) were due to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These statistics show the urgency and importance of supporting people with dementia and their carers.

The Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington Day Care centre operates five days a week from 9.00am to 3.00pm; one of which is all women and other is all men, while the rest of the time it is mixed. Up to 13 people attend each day with up to four staff members.

Trish Craggs, Care Manager at Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, says: “The Day Care is really important. On mornings, we try to incorporate activities that get people moving. We’ve set up and play indoor golf and curling and beer pong without the beer! Everyone seems to enjoy themselves, and it’s also a welcome respite for the carers.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Marie Carter-Robb at marie@mccommunications.co.uk or call 07760 477694.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington is a nationally registered charity and one of 150 locally based Age UK organisations providing a variety of services to older people aged 50 plus.

Whether it’s through recreational activities, expert information and advice, befriending services or just being somewhere to turn when things get too tough to cope with on your own, Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington provides crucial companionship, advice and support to thousands of people every year.

Community focused, Age UK is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people in the community through befriending, outreach and social activities as well as providing an invaluable range of social and wellbeing services, including:

• A cafe and restaurant.
• A day centre.
• Exercise & physical activity
• Meals at home
• IT Training courses
• Social activities