West Sussex charity used as model for future national dementia care
Dementia Support's Sage House in Tangmere is the only place in the country to offer a range of care under one roof
The life-altering work of a West Sussex charity has proved so successful, it is to be rolled out nationwide.
Sage House in Tangmere is the first charity of its kind in the country providing a range of Dementia Support services under one roof .
The facility runs several activities every day, offers day breaks, support groups and personal care services.
Following the results from its interim period, Dementia Support said that it has found that the key ingredients are a combination of environment, expertise and integration of their many services, which all contribute to the positive impact on quality of life and wellbeing.
It found that 100% of respondents agreed:
- That the integrated approach was helpful
- That they would recommend Sage House to family or friends
- That other people living with dementia would benefit from having access to Sage House
- That other Care Providers would benefit from having access to Sage House
The University of Chichester research team have delivered an incredibly sensitive approach to the research and they gave people living with dementia (PLWD) and their carers a variety of platforms in the evaluation.
Early indications also suggest that Sage House is having an impact on the local health economy, by reducing the load on the NHS and Social Services as well as enabling people to continue working.
Sally Tabbner, Dementia Support (Charity) CEO said “We see, hear and feel the difference we’re making for people at Sage House every single day, so to now have that reinforced by our customers and carers has been incredibly validating for the Dementia Support team. We want our customers & carers to live well with dementia – and we believe we’re on a road to evidencing that.
"We’re also really pleased to see the early indications of reducing the load on the local health economy. That will become clearer towards the end of the year.”
Psychologist Professor Antonina Pereira, who leads the University team, said: “An integrated approach to dementia care, such as that provided by Sage House, is of paramount importance today, more than ever, due to the multifaceted nature of the condition.
"Dementia encompasses cognitive impairments as well as substantial physical, social, and emotional implication for individuals and for their families. That is precisely why a comprehensive approach that extends far beyond mere medical interventions is essential in order to adequately address the diverse needs associated with dementia.”
Health bosses are now looking to roll it out across the country - with the first in West Berkshire.