Anyone affected by Dementia along with their family or carers are encouraged to come along on Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 June, to the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy and the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline to meet a Dementia Advisor and view information stands.  

 As part of Dementia Awareness Week, Alzheimers Scotlandstaff will be on hand to help people find out what practical advice and support is available to anyone living in Fifewho has Dementia. Alzheimer Scotland staff members will also be manning stands on Tuesday 19 June at the Dementia Learning Forum, Dean Park Hotel, Kirkcaldy between 11.30-14.30 and again at Sainsbury, Kirkcaldy Retail Park on Thursday 21 June from 1pm -4pm.

On Thursday 21 June from 10-12, the Alzheimer Scotland Resource Centre in Kirkcaldy will be running activity groups (Art & Crafts  and Cake Decorating) for people with dementia.

 Julie Penn of Alzheimer Scotlandsaid, ‘Alzheimer Scotlandworks throughout the year to try to raise awareness of dementia; however, during our annual Dementia Awareness Week we really concentrate our efforts to reach people across Fifeand Scotlandwith a range of activities.’

 The number of people affected by dementia is estimated to be around 8,000 in Fife. Many families have concerns about their loved-one’s capacity to seek help in an emergency or worrying about them leaving the house during the night. They are increasingly being forced to make tough decisions about the long term care of their loved-one.

 John Honeyman, Fife Council’s Telecare Training and Marketing Adviser said, “Fife Council is developing new ways to support vulnerable people and their families by using technology. Telecare technology is designed to discreetly monitor homes and personal safety and raise the alarm automatically if something untoward should happen such as a bad fall or a fire. To find out more about Telecare contact Fife Council’s Social Work service on telephone 01383 441177.  This could be the first step towards enabling your loved-one to carry on living independently in their own home.”

 He added, “Once the devices are in place specialist call handlers at the Council’s Alarm Receiving Centre in Dunfermlinecan quickly assess the situation and alert family members to the incident. Staff from the Mobile Emergency Care Service can also be called upon to attend if it is impractical for family members to do so.”