People with dementia attending an Alzheimer’s Society day centre in Haslemere were visited by MP for South West Surrey and the Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt MP on Friday 30 October.
Alzheimer’s Society day care and support services offer a variety of activities to promote physical and mental wellbeing. From reminiscence and music sessions to gentle exercises and arts and crafts; the day centre offers a wide range of activities for people with dementia - all within a familiar and safe environment.
On visiting the day centre Jeremy Hunt MP said: “Dementia is a priority for this government. Through the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge, we want to see every person diagnosed with dementia having meaningful care, including access to named clinicians and support workers to give them more control over their care.
“We know that excellent post diagnosis support is being provided in some parts of the country. The challenge now is to reduce unwarranted variation and to make those services available everywhere, and to ensure that they meet the specific needs of local communities.”
There are 16,252 people living with dementia in Surrey and, as of March 2015, the diagnosis rate of dementia in the county stood at 57.7 per cent.
Jacqui Parfitt, Operations Manager for Alzheimer's Society in Surrey, said:“We’re thrilled that Mr Hunt was able to come along to the day centre. Being diagnosed with dementia can be a daunting and overwhelming experience but this service offers a calm, social environment in which people with dementia can take part in activities they enjoy and meet new people.”
As well as the day centre Alzheimer’s Society in South West Surrey has a number of other services to support people with dementia. To find out more telephone 01932 855582 or email [email protected] or visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinformation