Dementia friends

Dementia is in the news today, with the publication of new research which found 50,000 Britons have quit their jobs to care for relatives with dementia.

According to the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the “fabric of society” is under attack from the condition, because too many carers are being forced out of work early.

The research by Public Health England found one in eight people are now looking after someone with dementia.

More than half of these carers are trying to “juggle” paid work with their duties as carers.

Tonight sees the launch of a television advertising campaign by Public Health England, featuring a range of celebrities working together to highlight the plight of dementia sufferers.

The advert features Gina Shaw, a former nurse who has been diagnosed with dementia, singing the iconic Beatles track ‘I get by with a little help from my friends’.

In the advert, Gina is joined by her friends, and celebrities including Chris Martin, Lily Allen, Lesley Manville, Ray Winstone, Amanda Holden, Jim Sturgess, Simon Pegg, Pixie Lott, Hugh Dennis, Alesha Dixon, Paul O’Grady, Fiona Phillips, Ruth Langsford & Eamonn Holmes, Michael Vaughn, Ruth Jones, Huey Morgan, Tim Wheeler, Leighton Baines, Antonia Thomas, Sir Terry Pratchett, Meera Syal and Angela Rippon, who help her to sing the song.

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It’s an excellent advert and one which will hopefully raise awareness about dementia.

Here at Informed Choice, we are very proud to be a Dementia Friendly Surrey Champion Organisation.

Our work with elderly clients means we come across a large number of people who have or are affected by dementia.

We have made a commitment to help those with dementia, and their carers, live well in our community.

Informed Choice has pledged to ensure people know where to access clear advice and information that will help people remain independent and in control of their lives as they age.

We will also ensure that people with additional or particular needs are supported flexibly at critical times, for example those with older people living with dementia and older people who need assistance after a period of illness and/or bereavement.

As incidences of dementia rise rapidly during the coming years, it is important that businesses (particularly those providing professional advice) recognise some of the challenges created by dementia and respond accordingly.