SCA Group

Around 60 elderly people with dementia and their carers had a night out on the town thanks to Southampton City Council and social care provider SCA Group.

The two organisations joined forces to provide a Christmas meal and social evening for the group at the Holiday Inn in Southampton 1 December 2009.  Entertainment was provided by local singer Lora, who specialises in sing-a-longs and popular songs.

The evening provided a rare night out for the carers and their loved ones, accompanied by SCA Group staff. 

Among the party-goers was Sue Cox and her four brothers and sisters, who all help to care for their mother Maureen Wain.  Sue described the event as "absolutely wonderful".

Mum has been really looking forward to having an evening out with all the family," she said. "An event like this brings people together.  With an illness like dementia you feel isolated."
 
"Over the past four years it's been very hard for all of us and also very upsetting to notice the changes in mum's behaviour and to make all the arrangements for her accommodation and care.  It can be difficult dealing with all the mixed feelings of being both a carer and a daughter."

"It's lovely to come to an event like this and to talk to people and see what other families have to cope with as well.  You don't feel so alone."

John Simms belongs to a group of carers based at Kinloss Court sheltered housing in Lordshill.  Although John is now a widower, he cared for his wife for many years.

"It's very beneficial to be able to come to a social event like this," he said. "It gets you up and about and you can talk to other people and socialise.  I enjoy it very much."

Councillor Ivan White Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Southampton City Council said: "We are pleased that we could bring some Christmas cheer into the lives of people that struggle with a very difficult condition and for the carers that work very hard caring for them."