Over recent years people have become more aware of dementia and of the fact that it is not just part of the ageing process. This has resulted in a growing awareness of the problems faced by the carers of people with dementia. Quite often these carers can be virtual prisoners in their own homes and the pressures that build up through dealing with someone who may not know what time of day it is or recognise the person with whom they are living - together with the physical problems - can increase the sense of loneliness and isolation they feel. Trying to deal with financial problems on top of the day-to-day personal care can become just too much. This is where Alzheimer¹s Concern Ealing can - and does - play a vital role. We are a voluntary organisation, which aims to support and help this particular group of carers in the London Borough of Ealing by providing a variety of services.

CALL AND CARE SERVICE

The Call and Care Service is a domiciliary respite scheme. Care Attendants will attend a person with dementia in their own home to take over the task of caring and/or assisting with personal care tasks, including bathing, dressing, feeding and continence management. The care attendants also offer supervision and companionship to people with dementia in their own homes and will participate in reminiscence and stimulating activities if appropriate. The service is available on a regular basis, one-off bookings, night service, emergency service and aims to provide the usual carer with a break from the caring role. All care attendants are employed by Alzheimer's Concern Ealing and receive regular training and supervision.

WEEKEND DAY CARE

The Weekend day care Service consists of care units, which operate on Saturdays and Sundays providing reliable and sensitive care for people with dementia in a stimulating group setting. Continuity of attendance is required and priority is offered to people with dementia who receive little weekday day care. Each day care unit serves its own geographical catchment area. One centre give priority to Asian people with dementia.

SUPPORT GROUPS FOR CARERS

There is a network of local groups, which provide an opportunity for self-help, support and raising awareness amongst members enabling them to deal more effectively with caring and its problems. The network includes a specialised group for former carers and an evening group for those who cannot attend a day-time meeting. There are specialist groups for Asian, Afro-Caribbean and Polish carers. A support group for carers of people in Long Stay Care ­ or thinking of Long Stay Care, also exists.

CARERS¹ VOICE

The Carers¹ Voice is our bi-monthly newsletter, which serves as a platform for carers¹ views and also provides information on various important issues.

CASEWORK

We take referrals from carers, professionals and other agencies and carry out an initial assessment by domiciliary visit. Assessment is followed by further support and advice visits and on-going contact is maintained thereafter as appropriate.

ADVICE AND INFORMATION

Advice and information - including specialist welfare rights advice - is available to all carers through home visits, telephone contact and appointments. Advocacy ­ we act on carer¹s behalf in accessing services, and represent them at meetings etc.

COUNSELLING

As a vital part of our comprehensive support services we offer counselling for the person with dementia, counselling for carers, and a Bereavement Support Network.

PUBLIC AWARENESS

We aim to enhance public awareness of our services, the nature of dementia and the problems associated with the disease by way of talks and presentations to interested local and national groups. We attend numerous meetings within the borough to raise awareness of the illness and promote our services.

CARERS¹ TRAINING

We organise an annual training course for carers, facilitated by internal and external speakers. This aims to give information, advice and practical training as well as to provide a forum for discussion.

SOCIAL EVENTS FOR CARERS

We organise annual social events including a Christmas Social with entertainment and a summer outing for people with dementia and their carers.

CHARITY SHOP

We have a Charity Shop in Greenford, which is run by former carers volunteering their time.