20th May

It’s Dementia Action Week, a time to raise awareness for dementia - for those that live with it and their dedicated carers be they partners, family or friends.

Did you know there are around 50,000 people in the South East living with dementia? It is for this reason that it is vital for those people and their carers to have a place where they feel comfortable, safe and understood. Living well with dementia is an emotional journey that requires trust and a feelings based approach.

Since West Sussex County Council awarded its respite and short breaks for carers contract in Worthing to local  Guild Care, we have been able to expand those vital services to help more people in the local Worthing area. 

We have developed a range of innovative dementia services that emotionally connect people living with dementia. Our dementia services recognise the importance of providing specialist care as well as giving carers much needed time to recharge their batteries, which is why dementia services are one of the organisations core focuses.

The services give carers a break in the knowledge that their loved one is being looked after in a safe, stimulating and secure environment by passionate and trained staff.

New service, ‘Time Out in Worthing’ provides breaks for carers, through a range of outings and community trips, visits to local attractions, strolls along the seafront, pub lunches and cream teas.

A recent trip saw service users enjoy tea and cake at Shoreham Airport before heading off to a garden centre in Hassocks for lunch.

Carol, who recently joined the group said, “I just love everything about this service. I feel like a real person coming out and we’ve all become friends.”

The Time Out in Worthing service usually visits somewhere different each week with a door-to-door service, picking people up from their homes in a Guild Care minibus, before being returned home at the end of the day. This service runs on both Monday and Wednesday and is supported by a driver, Support Workers and volunteers.

Patti’s father Sieg uses several of Guild Care’s ‘Time out services’. She said; “The best thing about these services is that I know dad is happy and being stimulated – I am very much a believer that if you keep your mind stimulated it helps stop the decline.”

‘Time Out for Carers’ offers two separate services for people with early onset dementia (under 65) and another for those further along their dementia journey.

The service for those with early onset dementia, provides access to a range of small group activities, such as music, art, exercise, reminiscence, quizzes, hair and beauty, that are all tailored to meet the needs and wishes of each individual.

‘Afternoon Tea’ hosts the opportunity for those with dementia, their carers, family and friends to come together for an afternoon of treats. This fortnightly event is ideally suited for people who prefer a smaller and more intimate social gathering, where they can tuck into a delicious afternoon tea, including scones with jam and cream along with a selection of sandwiches and cakes.

Suzanne Millard, Guild Care’s CEO said: “We are delighted that we have been awarded the contract to deliver respite and short breaks for carers in Worthing. Guild Care has a long tradition of supporting people with dementia and the elderly. We know the expansion of our services will make a real difference to carers in Worthing giving them the break from caring that they need to recharge their batteries and have some time to themselves.”

To read more about our dementia services, click here. We also have two specialist dementia care homes: Haviland House and Linfield House.

You can also get in touch with our friendly Customer Service Team on 01903 327327 or [email protected].