Date published: 16 May 2024
A new campaign aims to inform Merseyside residents about what life is really like ‘Living with Dementia’ to try and persuade those affected to ask for an early memory assessment.
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest mental and physical community health trusts in the country, has an established older people’s service based at Leigh Moss Hospital in Liverpool and is concerned that general lack of knowledge about dementia may cause anxiety and a reluctance for people to speak to their GP.
Dr Sarah Butchard, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Psychology Lead for Mersey Care’s Older People’s Services, said: “We understand that receiving a dementia diagnosis can be really difficult for people and if you notice that your memory is starting to change, it’s really natural to not want to face that.
“What we do know is the earlier you get a diagnosis for dementia, the more support there is and the more likely you are able to live well with it. If you’re having problems with your memory, we’d advise to see your GP as soon as you can and ask for a memory assessment.
“There’s a stigma within society around dementia and people are frightened of it but we work with lots of people who are living with dementia who have a really good quality of life.
“We often see people imagining they are not going to be able to do anything for themselves, that it only affects older people and that it’s the end of your life, but in reality there’s a lot of life still to live.”
As part of the campaign, Mersey Care has launched two videos with Dr Butchard and service user Tommy Dunne BEM, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2012. He remains a keen golfer and works closely with patient groups to ensure those newly diagnosed don’t regard it as the end of their lives.
“Working with Mersey Care gave me my life back and gave me hope,” said Tommy. “I had no hope and they showed me that people living with dementia can live well given the right opportunities. There was an immense feeling of empowerment. You can do things, so don’t sit in that chair. Get out, because it’s not the end of your life.
"The service is as important to me as family, and family is the most important thing in the world. We've got people we trust and people who trust us. When I'm with them I don't feel like I've got dementia. I'm Tommy first and I've got dementia - it's not dementia has got me."
He added: “Getting assessed early is one of the most important things you can do and one of the best decisions you’ll ever make in your life. The best way for people to learn about dementia is to talk to people who have it, like myself, my friends and my fellow peers because we are the only people who can really tell you what it’s like to actually live with dementia. We’re the only people who can take away the fear.”
Mersey Care has also relaunched their successful ‘Memory Cards', which are available at shops, supermarkets and other local venues, and encourages people to ask their GP for a memory assessment.
