Tower House Surgery is the leading Island GP Practice when it comes to awareness, understanding and support for people with Dementia.
During recent months administrative and clinical staff have attended Dementia Awareness training and the practice is the first to hold the status of ‘Dementia Safe Haven’.
This means that any individual who appears to be in a confused state of mind can be brought or directed to the Surgery where they will be properly cared for, with immediate support and guidance available.
It is recognised that up to one in three people over the age of 65 will develop some degree of dementia, so it’s ever more important that we recognise early signs to be able to provide the best possible care and assistance, as well as ongoing support to individuals.
Our Healthcare Assistant has also recently attended dementia awareness training and as a result we have changed their uniform to be more identifiable and recognisable which is helpful to people with dementia.
We are linked to local and national campaigns to raise awareness of dementia and work closely with other island healthcare and voluntary sector providers.
Dr Legg, who is based at Tower House Surgery and is also clinical lead for dementia and older people at the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group is keen to point out that people with dementia can live well, and it is the responsibility of the rest of the community to help them do so.
The work and service being provided at Tower House Surgery is in full collaboration with Age UK Isle of Wight and the ‘My Life a Full Life’ initiative – run by the Isle of Wight Council, NHS and Clinical Commissioning Group.