Dementia services in Norfolk boosted by £750,000 of government funding

Dementia care in Norfolk has been boosted by £750,000 of government funding, it was announced yesterday.

Barry Dennis at Wells Community Hospital. Picture: Ian Burt Barry Dennis at Wells Community Hospital. Picture: Ian Burt

Friday, July 26, 2013
9:00 AM

ADAM LAZZARI reports…

Tens of thousands of people in Norfolk will have suffered the heartache of watching a loved one suffering from dementia.

It is estimated, nationally, one in three people over 65 will develop dementia and in Norfolk, where there are more 63-year-olds in the county than any other age, it is a growing concern.

So, news that £750,000 of Department of Health money has been awarded to four Norfolk dementia projects will be widely welcomed.

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation was awarded £249,000 to make its dementia care unit at Hammerton Court in Norwich even more dementia-friendly.

The three other organisations to benefit are NorseCare, which was awarded £300,000 to fund a specialist six-bed dementia facility at St Nicholas’ House residential care home in Dereham, Wells Community Hospital Trust, which received £119,350 to enhance facilities at a ‘dementia excellence hub’ it is developing and Manorcourt Care, which was awarded £80,000 towards improving its day care centre at Griston, near Watton

The Hamerton Court project will be part of the first national pilot to showcase the best examples of dementia-friendly environments across England.

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust acting chief executive Andrew Hopkins said: “Our Trust is committed to developing and delivering excellence in dementia care and, as such, we are delighted to be part of the first national pilot to showcase the best examples of dementia friendly environments.”

The other three projects are run by Norfolk County Council commissioned social care providers.

Sue Whitaker, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for adult social care, said: “With the numbers of people with dementia rising nationwide and set to increase further over the coming years, it’s vital that we provide them with the best possible care and support in Norfolk.

“So this funding is a timely boost to three of the dementia facilities that Norfolk County Council currently commissions and should help create a happy and caring environments”

North Norfolk is the oldest part of the county with 32pc of people in this area aged 65 and over.

Wells Community Hospital chief executive Barry Dennis said: “I heard once about how a man with dementia walked into a shop, picked up some fruit and walked out. The shop keeper thought he was stealing, ran after him and tackled him to the ground. That’s an example of how more people need to be aware of dementia and how to help people who have it. A big part of this project is about that and this funding will make a big difference.”

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/dementia