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​Dementia Awareness week saw the launch of the new fire and home safety leaflet for people living with Dementia and their family and friends.

As part of the Fire Service commitment to support people living with Dementia, together with local organisations have updated and revised the  advice leaflet  for people living with Dementia, and their families and friends.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Andrews said:

“Dementia is a known factor in many of the incidents we attend – and can also impact on the family and friends of our staff. That’s why we are really pleased to be working  with local organisations and care providers to launch this new safety leaflet’’.

The launch took place at Alfirston Court Nursing home, part of the Chanctonbury Healthcare Group, kindly hosted by Barry and Sharon Sinclair, owners of Chanctonbury Healthcare along with Sandy Atkins, Operations Director and other members of the team

Kate Russell Chanctonbury Marketing Manager said:

“Today was significant of the success that oraganisations working together can achieve. We are very proud to be an active member of our local communities and to support social and welfare initiatives that will benefit our surrounding areas”

The new booklet is full of useful tips that may help to make a person with dementia safer in their home; and was a result of collaboration with Chanctonbury Healthcare, the Wealden Dementia Action Alliance, local GP Surgeries and the Fire Service Safe and Well Advisors.

In East Sussex over 25% of the population are aged over 65 years of age, compared to 18% nationally, which reflects the increased prevalence of Dementia in our area. Although Dementia should not be seen as a disease of old age, the prevalence does increase as people get older.

The leaflet  can be downloaded via the website www.esfrs.org/dementiafriendly  or by to order a paper copy please email sophie.hepworth@esfrs.org