SCA Group

A pioneering project for older people in the early stages of memory loss is reaping rewards for both the service users and their families.

The innovative Assessment Centre for Elderly People with Early Stage Dementia is at the Fenwick2 Health and Well-being Centre in Lyndhurst and is run by not-for-profit care provider SCA Group. It allows people in the early stages of memory loss to be assessed by a multi-agency team of care workers, mental health workers, community workers, social workers and nurses with a view to providing for their future needs.

The service users attend the centre for one day a week for 12 weeks, allowing the centre to work out a care plan for things such as mobility, care support, medication and benefits.

Feedback has shown that the people attending the centre have benefited from being able to talk to professionals, engage in activities and socialise, while the friends and family members who help to look after them have appreciated the chance to have time away from their caring duties.

The service, funded from part of a £123,000 grant from the Department of Health, runs for a year and has been so successful that Fenwick2 is hoping to obtain extra funding to extend it.

"The evidence we have so far is that service users gain not only physical support but also emotional support from the project," said Fenwick2 Centre Coordinator Lisa Dillane.

"They gain confidence from meeting other people, making friends and talking to people in a similar situation to themselves, as well as from taking part in lots of activities, such as growing vegetables, arranging flowers and making jewellery.

"While their loved one is being cared for in the centre the carer can access support from Carers Together in Hampshire and the Alzheimer's Society. These voluntary agencies offer one-to-one and group support and this support is still available after their loved one has completed the programme."

Project manager Jan Scott said it has also been helpful to be able to plan ahead, before memory loss becomes too severe.  

"The multi-agency aspect of the work has been brilliant - we can look at each person's needs individually and make a care plan for their future, in association with their GP and the mental health team," said Jan. "People in the early stages of memory loss may not always be picked up by the system or be able to access support, so it is wonderful that we can provide this important service for people in the New Forest and surrounding area."

One service user, Doreen, from Lyndhurst, said it is often hard for people to understand how frustrating it is when memory problems start to occur.   (Pictured above right:  service users participating in activities at the Centre)

"It's more than just forgetting the odd word," she said. "As well as being frustrating your speech can be affected too. I was not very polite when Jan first suggested me coming to the group because I've never done anything like this before, but now I love it. I like the people and the nice atmosphere and friendly staff. People are reluctant to talk at first but gradually you get to know them. I really enjoy it." 

The new service is the result of a partnership between F2, SCA Group, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Community Health Care, Hampshire Partnership Trust, New Forest Alzheimer's Society, the South West New Forest Practice Based Commissioning Group, F2 League of Friends, Carers Together New Forest, the Pensions Agency, New Forest District Council and local GPs.

Further information about the day centre is available from Wendy Walsh at SCA group on 023 8036 6663.

This article is also featured in the Social Enterprise Live magazine - to view click here