Dementia sufferers and their families in the Strathmore area of Perthshire are to be offered an ambitious “new model” of care.
It is envisaged that changes will ultimately reduce the need for inappropriate admission to hospitals or care homes.
The scheme will see locally based, integrated, multi-disciplinary teams provide a single “point of contact” for Strathmore residents who need to access services.
A national spotlight will now be turned on the area, as it has been selected as a “national demonstrator site” for dementia services.
A number of drop-in information sessions will initially be held, after NHS Tayside and Perth and Kinross Council developed the new system.
Specialist support for people living with dementia and their families following diagnosis will also be available, along with education and specialist counselling to help support them in continuing their lives within the community.
A series of drop-in sessions has been arranged by staff from Strathmore Dementia Services so local people can find out more about the improvements.
Evelyn Campbell is head of older people’s services with the Perth and Kinross Community Health Partnership. “The emphasis of the new model of care will be on providing support where people live, including a comprehensive range of services that are available seven days a week,” she said.
“As a consequence, it is envisaged that the number of people who require to be admitted in a crisis to an inpatient specialist dementia assessment bed/care home will be reduced.Staff training”At present, we are in the process of up-skilling and training staff from the Strathmore unit to meet the needs of the new service model, with a view to the service being opened by the end of November.”
Ms Campbell believes Strathmore will lead the way, acting as an example for the rest of the country, once the new scheme is in place.
“We are very encouraged that Perth and Kinross has been successful in its application for Strathmore to become a national demonstrator site for dementia.
“This award, as well as attracting funding, ensures government support and involvement in the development and implementation of the dementia services model for Strathmore.”
For details on the new service or the drop-in sessions contact Strathmore Dementia Service at Blairgowrie Community Hospital on 01250 877843.Drop-in sessions have been scheduled as follows: Blairgowrie Town Hall, Thursday, 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Rattray Hall, November 8, 1pm to 2.30pm; Coupar Angus Town Hall, November 9, 1.30pm to 3pm; Inchture Village Hall, November 12, 10.30am to noon; Balbeggie Village Hall, November 12, 1.30pm to 3pm; Airlie Street Hall, Alyth, November 15, 1.30pm to 3pm; Burrelton Church Hall, November 16, 1.30pm to 3pm; Kinloch Hall, Meigle, November 22, 1.30pm to 3pm; Guildtown Village Hall, November 23, 1.30pm to 3pm.