You don’t have to face dementia alone, says Thurso-based Alzheimer Scotland advisor
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Isobel Stevenson has taken up the new role of dementia advisor for north Highland with Alzheimer Scotland. From her base at Thurso's Dunbar Hospital she will be covering Caithness and north Sutherland, working within the community and offering advice and help to local groups and health professionals.
"I am from Thurso, and I have worked in health and social care for several years," Isobel says. "Previously I spent six years as an Alzheimer Scotland dementia support worker at the day service in Caithness and am very happy to be back in the organisation."
In this Q&A, Isobel gives an insight into her role and the work of Alzheimer Scotland, Scotland's dementia charity.
As the new dementia advisor for Alzheimer Scotland, can you summarise what your role will involve and what services are provided?
As a dementia advisor, I am here to help people with dementia, their partners, families and carers, along with local businesses and the community. I can provide information and advice about dementia and living well with dementia, helping people find the support they need, or connecting them to local groups and services.
I will also be working to help the community to be more dementia-friendly. I can deliver free "Dementia Friends" sessions to businesses, schools or community groups so they can learn more about dementia and the small things organisations or individuals can do to help.
Is this a new post?
Yes, it is a new post. Over my four days each week I will cover all of Caithness and the northern parts of Sutherland. Alzheimer Scotland also has a new post-diagnostic support link worker, Susan Brass, who is based in the Community Mental Health team at Dunbar Hospital.
Do you feel there is a need to raise awareness of dementia and, in particular, the support that is available from Alzheimer Scotland?
It is vitally important to raise awareness of dementia. With 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland alone, almost everyone knows someone with a diagnosis and yet there is still stigma and misinformation. With the right support and understanding, people can live with dementia and only through awareness-raising can we get that message out there and ensure that everybody knows that they don’t have to face dementia alone.
Is there evidence that dementia is increasing in our communities, and is this linked to the ageing population across society as a whole?
Dementia is not a natural part of the ageing process; it is caused by diseases of the brain. Not everyone will develop dementia as they age, and not everyone who has dementia is old. However, age is a risk factor for dementia and, as the population increases and people continue to live longer, we do expect the number of people with a diagnosis to rise.
From your own experience, how would you describe the impact dementia has on people who have it and those around them?
Dementia can affect all aspects of a person's life, as well as the lives of those around them. When you or your family member receives a diagnosis, it can be a really challenging time, and it may be hard to come to terms with. But each person with dementia is different and will be affected differently. With the right care, information and support, many people can, and do, live well with dementia for years.
How do people get in touch with you if they want advice? Will you be going out into the community, speaking to families, groups or local health professionals?
People can contact me by telephone on 07818 538683 or by email IStevenson@alzscot.org – I will be very much working within the community and on hand to give advice and help to any local groups or health professionals who I would invite to get in touch with me. We offer a mix of online and in-person support, including our groups. I can also carry out home visits if needed.
Alzheimer Scotland also has a Freephone Dementia Helpline where emotional support and signposting advice are available 24 hours, every day of the year. Call any time on 0808 808 3000.
