New North Devon support for Alzheimer’s sufferers

Deputy mayor Val Elkins is joined by the local team of Wendy Toms, Jacqueline Patton, Maggi Rogers, Judy Flanagan and Alan Morley as she conducts the opening of the new Barnstaple office.

Tony Gussin Saturday, March 9, 2013
10:01 AM

The first ever office for the Alzheimer’s Society opens in Barnstaple.

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MORE help and support for people with dementia should now be available in North Devon following the official opening of the region’s first ever Alzheimer’s Society office in Barnstaple.

The premises at Queens House will co-ordinate the work of a team of five who will offer one-to-one dementia support for sufferers and their families, covering the entire North Devon area.

Volunteers are also being recruited locally for the Alzheimer’s Society befriending scheme, which also helps to support people with dementia or their carers.

The charity’s new services have been made possible thanks to funding provided by Devon County Council to set up a Community Dementia Support Service across the county.

The new office was officially opened on Wednesday by the deputy mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor Val Elkins.

“Alzheimer’s is a dreadful condition and I am so pleased more help will be available,” she said.

“The impact on families can be immense, watching loved ones struggling with simple everyday tasks, forgetting names or faces.”

Kathy Milosevic, locality manager for Devon and Cornwall, said people could be referred to the service by a GP or health professional, or even refer themselves.

“This new facility will be a massive boost to the service, but also to the support we can offer and the befriending scheme is crucial, because that weekly visit for a couple of hours can be a lifeline for the person with dementia and their family.”

To find out more about the service, contact the Devon Dementia Support Service on 0300 1232029.