A NEW scheme to help Worcestershire people living with dementia remain independent is set to start in April.
Worcestershire is the first county in the UK to trial the new grant scheme which will pay for adaptations to homes, making them safer and more convenient for residents living with dementia.
The trial will enable eligible people living with dementia to make adaptations made to their home, from using colour and contrast to aid orientation, to bespoke products like clocks which clearly present the day of the week and whether it’s the morning or night.
Grants of up to £750 will be available to help the person living with dementia to manage their surroundings, which will not be means-tested, but will be based on the assessment of each individual’s needs.
Nina Warrington, Head of Strategic Housing at Worcester City Council, unveiled details of the Worcestershire Dementia Dwelling Grant at a national Housing and Dementia Conference held at the Royal British Legion in London last month.
She said: “The aim the grant is to help reduce feelings of confusion and anxiety among residents living with dementia, and to allow them to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
“If the trial is successful, our aspiration is that further funding will be made available and that the grant could then be offered to Worcestershire residents on a more permanent basis.”
The trial grant will be open to anyone living in Worcestershire who has a clinically proven early diagnosis of dementia and is still living in their own home. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be paid for through the Department of Health’s Better Care fund.
The trial will be independently evaluated by the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies (ADS) and will seek to explore the impact of the grants for people with dementia and family carers.
Leader of the Redditch Borough Council, Bill Hartnett, said: “Dementia is a terrible illness which I’m sure has touched the lives of many of our residents in some way, either personally or through a friend or relative.
“The simple changes made possible by the grants could mean that many more people keep their independence, are able to live at home for much longer and retain their place in the local community, as well as reducing the stresses felt by both sufferers and their families in these often difficult circumstances. If you know someone who could benefit, please get in touch as soon as possible.”
