The carers of Alzheimer’s sufferers will be able to take part in a nine-week training programme to be launched by Elmbridge Council in March.
The programme is part of the council’s Elmbridge Relief Carers scheme, which has run for 22 years and offers specialist day care for those with dementia as well as services for their carers, such as support groups and respite care.
Councillor John Sheldon, portfolio holder for community support, said: “We work very closely with local organisations and charities, such as the Alzheimer’s Society, so have a very clear idea of what those with dementia and their carers need.
“We launched our flourishing social evenings, called Alz Café, five years ago, as a response to those carers who wanted to discuss their concerns in a more relaxed and informal atmosphere.”
The national lack of health care and social services for dementia suffers was highlighted earlier this month in a Channel 4 documentary featuring TV presenter Fiona Phillips, whose mother died from Alzheimer’s and whose father now suffers from the disease.
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