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Dementia Support Newhaven

Published on 04 February 2019 10:40 AM

Age UK East Sussex Newhaven Day Club Welcome Dementia Support East Sussex

 

Members of the Age UK East Sussex Newhaven Day Club were thrilled that Suzanne Proctor from Dementia Support East Sussex visited their club on Wednesday 29 January 2019. They joined in group singing and some got up and danced, all led by Suzanne with her unique style of engaging with older people with dementia through music.

 

Dementia UK explain that music accesses different parts of the brain than language, so music can be used to communicate or engage with someone who has been diagnosed with dementia, even if they no longer speak or respond to other people’s words. Playing music that meant something to them, such as a favourite song, a piece of music from their wedding, or a tune they used to sing to their children, can tap into powerful memories and emotions.

 

The most recent census figures report that there are around 10,000 people living with dementia in East Sussex (including those who are not yet diagnosed). This figure is projected to rise to 13,000 in 2021.

 

Dementia Support East Sussex  is a ‘not for profit’, free membership, voluntary initiative, aiming to address the gaps in the existing provision of care for those touched by dementia, and respite for their carers. They provide relaxed, safe, dementia-centred activities, in a social setting, with group singing, stimulating activities, reminiscence and friendship-building at its core.

The Age UK East Sussex Newhaven Day Club meets every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm at Newhaven Age Concern Club House, West Quay Car Park, Quayside, Newhaven, BN9 9BP. The Day Club provides a warm and safe social place for people aged 65 and over and meets a wide range of needs, including the early stages of dementia, in a caring and inclusive environment. The Day Club deliver a wide range of therapeutic activities and respite for carers.

If you are an older person or their carer and would like to find out more about Age UK East Sussex Day Clubs and other support services offered please call 01273 476704, email customerservices@ageukeastsussex.org.uk or visit ageuk.org.uk/eastsussex online.