HEALTH LAUNCH: New dementia service launches in Scotland
As cases of dementia are set to rise by more than 50 per cent by 2044, a new specialist service is opening to support people across Scotland – with plans to roll out to the rest of the UK.
The UK’s first Brain Health – Dementia Pathways service created by the health and wellbeing organisation Health is One, is being launched from their HQ in Uddingston, near Glasgow.
As NHS waiting times for dementia diagnosis reach a record high with some patients waiting more than two years, Health is One offers rapid diagnosis.
And what sets it apart from other private diagnostic services is high quality continuous support up to and beyond diagnosis including wraparound support for families and carers.
When a diagnosis is made, the Health is One team of psychologists, nurses, doctors, and therapists is on hand to support families, helping them plan for emergencies, manage finances, deal with emotional struggles and understand legal implications.
Leading the team is Professor June Andrews OBE, an internationally recognised specialist in dementia and care of older people.
Prof Andrews has written widely on dementia and has advised the NHS, universities and governments as well as families and voluntary organisations.
Prof Andrews, lead for Brain Health and Dementia Pathways at Health is One, said:
“Currently, there are more than 90,000 people in Scotland living with dementia and this figure is set to rise considerably over the next twenty years.
“Often, people are waiting more than two years for a diagnosis, risking accelerated decline which can result in costly care home fees and pressure on family members to give up work.
“Families need help right now and the real strength of the Brain Health and Dementia Pathways service is that we will provide comprehensive, hands-on support, from dealing with distressed behaviours to ensuring you get the local authority benefits you’re entitled to.”
Kevin McGeever is the CEO of Health is One and a pioneer in the integration of counselling services into NHS Primary Care in Scotland.
He has played a key role in helping to secure quicker and better outcomes for patients.
Kevin said: “Opening our first ever Brain Health service in Scotland marks the start of a phased roll out across the UK.
“For many years we have provided psychological support to individuals and their families impacted by dementia and are aware of the personal cost to carers every day.
“That’s why we are bridging the gap between medical diagnosis and long-term family wellbeing, covering practical arrangements, legal decisions, financial management and family dynamics.
“We’re here every step of the way and that’s what differentiates us from any other private provider in this area.”
The Brain Health service is now open for referrals and people can arrange a free, confidential discovery call by visiting the website.