Full steam ahead for the new Ross Dementia Centre Ross Gazette, p4, 8 Feb 2017
PROGRESS is going well for the new Ross Dementia Centre which is planning to open its doors for the first meeting on March 1st*. Dr Lennane of Alton Street Surgery, Reverend Deborah Cornish of Christ Church, and Alan Harrison, a Ross resident, are all delighted with the progress of the DMC.
Based in Christ Church, Edde Cross Street, the new Ross DMC is a modern version of a daycare centre, a place where people with dementia and their carers can socialise and find opportunities for things to do.
The main requirement now is for more volunteers who are needed for all sorts of roles. Friendly people who can meet and greet those attending, people who are prepared to lead activities, carry out admin, to help with the catering will all provide a vital role in ensuring this much needed service succeeds. Retired healthcare professionals and advice workers will be made very welcome and
experience of dementia or caring is not necessary, enthusiasm for improving dementia services is
the key requirement.
The huge difference from the day-care centres of yesteryear is that carers will participate much
more fully in how it is run. Mr Harrison, who has used a Dementia Centre in another town says that those who regularly attend DMCs. experience higher self-esteem, reduced symptoms .of depression,
enhanced mood and behaviour, and it can delay in admission to residential care. Both those with dementia and their carers are fully supported to stay mentally and physically well, and are
treated with dignity and respect.
Carers enjoy and benefit from sharing the caring when it can be an lonely activity at home. At Ross DMC carers will be respected as expert care partners and will have access to the integrated and personalised services they need to support them in their caring role.
As Dr Lenanne is supporting the Ross DMC, initial members will include some of the surgery's dementia patients. Other carers and those with dementia are invited to make contact. The Ross
DMC is not limited to dementia and hopes to include those with other mind and memory ailments.
The Ross Mental Health and Well-being group is looking into the possibility of Ross becoming
a Dementia Friendly Community (DFC) which is a formal process. Supporting the Ross DMC would be the first step to achieving this. As well as volunteering to attend the meetings, which take place on the first Wednesday of the month*at Christ Church from llam until 3pm, financial contributions will also
be much appreciated.
And as reminiscence therapy is well used within DMCs, items which could be used in this setting would be gratefully received: Any donations can be handed in to River Music at the bottom of Broad Street.
There are answers to many of the 'frequently asked questions at carerworld.info or email alan@afharrison.myzen.co.uk or telephone Alan F Harrison on 01989 567001 or 07952 060505 for more information.
Mr Harrison said: "We need volunteers more than anything else so please get in touch if you can help"
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End of Gazette report for which the Ross DMC is very grateful.
Come along and meet members of the the Ross Mental Health and Well-being Steering Group and others within the Ross DMC. Please come along to find out more at The Prince of Wales Pub, Walford Road, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5AP for a 6pm start on the 8th February.
*
First asterisk - leaflets at the meeting say that the DMC will open soon.
they also say
There will be a drop-in on Wednesday 15th March between 2pm and 4pm at Christ Church in Edde Cross Street. You will meet the volunteers and hear the plans. Ross DMC will soon operate on Wednesdays from 1100 to 1500.
There will be publicity about that which will update the starting date.
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Second asterisk - The Ross DMC will be open each week once started.
Dr Lennane of Alton Street Surgery
