Sefton residents offered support through local dementia services

As World Alzheimer’s Month gets underway, Sefton Council is reminding people of the support it can provide to people living with the condition and dealing with dementia. 

Help and Support

Sefton Council's Dementia Help and Support ensures people can find information about diagnoses, staying safe, day opportunities, hospital support and local activities. It also signposts residents to services that can help them live independently and stay connected to their communities. 

Support groups 

Across Sefton, people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia can take part in support groups and dementia cafés. Wellbeing activities and social events can help them stay active and connected.  

Advocacy services are also available to help people make their voices heard and take part in decisions about their care and support.  

Dementia Friendly Community

Sefton is part of a wider Dementia Friendly Community, which aims to increase understanding if dementia, reduce stigma and help people feel confident, respected and supported.

The Dementia Friendly Community brings together organisations, businesses and community groups that are working to make everyday life more inclusive for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. 

Safeguarding and partner organisations

The Sefton Safeguarding Adults Board also plays an important role in supporting people with care and support needs, living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The Board brings together organisations including Sefton Council, NHS partners, Merseyside Police and the voluntary sector to help protect adults who may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation.  

By promoting good practice, sharing learning between organisations and raising awareness of safeguarding issues linked to dementia, the Board helps ensure people receive safe, person-centred care while maintaining their dignity, independence and wellbeing. 

In addition, Sefton Council has invested in making local care environments more dementia friendly. Funding has helped care homes introduce improvements such as sensory spaces, specialist lighting and interactive technology designed to support independence, wellbeing and quality of life for residents living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.  

Alzheimer's Society

The Council also works closely with the Alzheimer's Society, whose advisers can provide personalised support to people living with the disease and other forms of dementia. Alzheimer's Society advisers also work with families, friends and carers to answer questions and provide emotional support. They can also help people understand benefits and services and connect them with local groups and activities.  

Family members and unpaid carers can also access specialist support. Alzheimer's Society's Carer Information and Support Programme helps people better understand Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, develop coping skills and meet others with similar experiences. This can reduce feelings of isolation and help carers feel more confident in their role. 

Helping people living with dementia

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health and Deputy Leader, said:  
“Sefton Council is committed to helping people living with dementia, including those with Alzheimer's disease. We want them to live safely and live well with dignity for as long as possible. 

“And through the work of the Sefton Safeguarding Adults Board and our partner organisations, we are helping to ensure people are protected from harm, listened to and treated with dignity and respect.  

“We are also working to ensure their families and carers can access the support they need, which means providing advice, information and practical support and helping to ensure their condition doesn’t define them. 

“And it’s also connecting people and their families, carers and friends with groups and activities that help them stay active and connected, while at the same reminding them they are not alone in dealing with this condition.” 

Nobody should face Alzheimer's alone

Sarah Alldis, Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing said: 
“A dementia diagnosis is life-changing, but nobody should have to face that journey alone. Our Adult Social Care teams work closely with people living with dementia, their families and carers, alongside NHS, voluntary and community sector partners, to understand what matters most to them and connect them with the support they need to live well, remain independent and continue enjoying the things that are important to them. 

“From practical advice and advocacy services to wellbeing activities, support groups and community connections, there is a wide range of help available across Sefton.  

“Together, these services help people stay active, connected and supported, while maintaining their dignity and quality of life.” 

To find out more about Dementia support in Sefton visit Dementia Help and Support