Leading the way on dementia care

OLDHAM Council is searching for “champions” to lead work on improving care for people with dementia.

Social care organisations are being asked to provide potential candidates to take part in a new pilot scheme. After completing the programme, carers will become “Dementia and Dignity Champions” for their organisation.

The first pilot will take place in February with the first Champions expecting to qualify by autumn.

Candidates on the programme will receive a nationally recognised qualification plus regular support from Oldham’s Dementia & Dignity steering group.

Oldham Council is working with Pennine Care NHS Trust, The Oldham College, Age UK Oldham, The Carers Centre and representatives from private social care providers to develop the programme.

In Oldham there are currently 2,318 people diagnosed with dementia, with an expected increase of 27 per cent within the next 10 years.

The scale of the issue has come to light in the national media recently with a focus on poor quality support services. The council says the dementia and dignity programme will provide an improved service for Oldham residents.

Owners and managers of Oldham’s residential or nursing homes, day care service or home-care servicescan find out more by emailing Maria Unwin at maria.unwin@oldham.gov.uk by January 27.