A pioneering online resource for people affected by dementia has been launched in Warwickshire.

The Living Well with Dementia Portal brings together in one place essential advice and resources for people with the condition, their carers, and staff from health and social care.

In Warwickshire alone there are currently 7,100 people living with dementia in the county – a figure which is expected to rise by 34% before 2021.

At Shire Hall in Warwick, dementia experts and campaigners joined together with local professionals and people affected by the condition for a demonstration of the new resource which is available on www.warwickshire.gov.uk/livingwellwithdementia

Cllr Jose Compton, Dementia Champion for Warwickshire, said: “Many people are frightened of dementia and reluctant to think or talk about it, both before and after a diagnosis. Added to this, misconceptions about the associated conditions are common. The Coventry and Warwickshire Dementia Portal helps to dispel the myths and gives practical advice and links to resources so people can live well with the condition.”

The portal is the work of the Living Well with Dementia Partnership, a group of organisations from across Coventry and Warwickshire who have teamed up to address the issues surrounding the condition by providing vital information and support.

Tony Robinson whose wife was diagnosed with the condition seven years ago campaigns locally on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society. Tony said: “I am pleased to have passed on my experience as a carer for the portal as it is a fantastic tool that I wish had been around when my wife was first diagnosed.”

John Linnane, Director of Public Health at NHS Warwickshire and Warwickshire County Council, explained: “Carers told us that they wanted a one stop place to go to for information about dementia diagnosis and to find out more about living well with the condition. Professionals also wanted to know how to best support people they come into contact with, whether they have dementia or support someone who does.”

As a result of public, carers’ and professionals’ feedback, the information portal has the following features:

•  Information for people who have had a diagnosis of dementia – Practical hints, tips and links to resources and services that can ensure people are able to live well with their condition for as long as possible;

• Information for supporting someone with a dementia diagnosis – Practical information on taking care of themselves and effectively supporting a person with dementia;
• General information about dementia – Including the signs and symptoms of the conditions;
• Reducing the risks – Information on the lifestyle changes that people can make and which may reduce their risk of developing dementia in later life; and
• Information for Social Care and Health Practitioners –about dementia diagnoses, the local pathways for Coventry and Warwickshire and services that can be accessed for people with a dementia diagnosis and their support.

The Portal is available on the link www.warwickshire.gov.uk/livingwellwithdementia

People can also join the conversation online before the launch to get involved in discussions around dementia in Coventry and Warwickshire. To get the latest news from the Partnership, visit the new blog:

http://livingwellwithdementiacoventryandwarwickshire.wordpress.com/

Or follow the partnership on Twitter https://twitter.com/DementiaCandW