People with dementia and their caregivers are benefiting from a new “lifeline” service that is changing lives in East Leicestershire.
The Melton, Syston and Vale Primary Care Network, local GPs and care centre staff came together last year to find ways to further improve the care they provide to their largest vulnerable population – the elderly living with dementia.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is now automatically referred to the social prescribing team which invites them and their carers to a two-hour support session, ‘Guiding Hearts Through the Maze’, held fortnightly at Syston Health Centre.
The sessions cover important topics from creating dementia-friendly homes, tips for better communication and gadgets and aids, to the vital support of agencies like Age UK, Dementia UK, Age Concern, Syston Volunteer Centre, Alzheimer’s Society, VASL and adult social care.
The sessions are limited to 10 people to create a relaxed and informal environment where social connections and peer to peer relationships can develop. Participants are also offered follow up support on a one to one basis and invited to coffee mornings and other social activities.
Raj Chavda, Senior Social Prescriber, Melton, Syston and Vale Primary Care Network, leads and delivers the sessions. He said:
“Everyone from GPs to health centre staff have worked together with such enthusiasm to improve the support we give to some of our most vulnerable patients. It’s been a huge team effort.
“Education and empowerment are at the heart of what we do, giving people everything they need as they navigate their way through their dementia journey. Our fortnightly sessions are a great way for people to connect with people going through what they are and helps them realise they’re not alone, which we know makes a huge difference to their lives.”
More than 50 patients and carers have benefitted since the sessions began in December 2023, with overwhelmingly positive feedback:
“Attending these sessions has been a lifeline for me. The support and understanding I’ve found here are invaluable.”
“I leave each session feeling more hopeful and connected. It’s wonderful to be part of such a caring and supportive group.”
“It’s a relief to talk to others who are in similar situations. The peer support here is incredibly comforting and uplifting
“These sessions have helped me see that I’m not alone in this journey. The encouragement is just what I needed.”
Dr Andrew Milne, GP partner at the County Practice and Vo-Clinical Director of Melton, Syston and Vale Primary Care Network, said:
“We are very proud of what Raj has achieved with this project, which helps to reach out and provide more of a support network to some of the most vulnerable in our society. He’s also forged strong connections with other organisations that are connected with dementia care, putting the Primary Care Network at the heart of the system.
“We are already getting great feedback from the sessions – our patients and their families are so grateful and appreciative.”
