Help for dementia sufferers and their carers

A PROGRAMME of activities to support Warrington people with dementia and their carers is to be launched at Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub.
The hub has been designed as a “dementia-friendly” building, which means it provides a safe and supportive environment where people affected by dementia feel comfortable to come and be active.
LiveWire has partnered with the Dementia Champions steering group in Warrington to develop a tailored exercise programme for people affected by dementia and their carers.
Focussing on the physical and mental health of sufferers and carers, the programme will help to improve strength, balance and fitness and will be tailored for individuals’ abilities, while also providing an opportunity for people living with dementia – and their carers – to socialise and receive support.
Dementia carers are at risk of themselves developing dementia. There are several physical and mental health risk factors for dementia which are attempting to be addressed through the “Healthy and Happy” classes.
The classes will include 30-40 minutes of low impact exercise followed by a period of relaxation and breathing exercises. They offer an opportunity to try different types of exercises, including chair exercise, tai chi, low-moderate intensity cardio exercise, balance and stretching, while providing time to relax in a calm and supportive environment.
Catriona Sudlow, physical activity and Inclusion manager for LiveWire, said: “Exercise offers a variety of benefits for people affected by dementia, both personally and for carers, with positive effects on both physical and mental health.
“Many people living with dementia stop doing the activities they love following a diagnosis and LiveWire want to provide an environment whereby people feel comfortable to continue being active in the confidence that staff are on hand to support them when needed.”
In addition to the dedicated class, the exercise timetable as a whole at Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub will embrace the dementia-friendly ethos, with instructors undergoing training to enable them to deliver sensitive advice and guidance to people living with dementia. LiveWire hopes the centre will become the first public building in England to achieve the University of Stirling’s Gold Accreditation Certificate for Dementia Design.
For more information about Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub and the programmes LiveWire will deliver there please visit: www.livewirewarrington.co.uk or contact 01925 724411 for more details.