West Sussex Joint Dementia Strategy: Living with dementia in our South Asian communities

Introduction

The Alzheimer's Society say that people from South Asian communities, along with other ethnic minority populations, are expected to see a 600 per cent increase in dementia diagnosed by 2050 compared to 100 per cent in the general UK population.

People of south Asian heritage in the UK are more likely to develop the disease than the general population due to their higher risk of other illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, that increase the risk of dementia.

West Sussex County Council are looking to improve the experience of people affected by dementia from its South Asian community and would like to gather the views of community members as to how best to support you.

Would the South Asian community benefit from more culturally targeted dementia support? West Sussex County Council would like to explore with you how a day support service would best support your community and what barriers there might be to getting to, and using, this service.

A day service could be within a local community centre or similar community space. A service like this provides someone living with dementia with support, stimulation and a good meal. The service brings together people living with dementia – providing a space for your loved one to socialise with people who they have things in common with.

Evidence shows that the benefits of such a service slows down the deterioration of physical and mental functions of someone living with dementia and can help with retaining independence so they are able to stay living at home for longer. It also provides a break for family carers, who may be working themselves, and juggling other responsibilities.

By completing this questionnaire, you will help inform our future service development and ensure, that if a South Asian dementia support service can be provided – that it meets your needs.

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