Scots ‘in the dark’ about how to care for dementia sufferers, says study

Published on 24/08/2012 04:32

People in Scotland are “in the dark” when it comes to caring for those with dementia, according to a private healthcare firm.

A poll by Ipsos MORI for Bupa Care Homes suggests 29 per cent of people in Scotland do not know the best way to support someone with dementia and that 31 per cent do not know what to expect as the symptoms get worse. Around 800,000 
people across the UK have dementia and this is expected to rise to at least one million by 2021, 
according to Bupa.

Family members are usually the first to identify symptoms and often try to care for loved ones for as long as possible.

Bupa said many struggle to find basic information and guidance. In response, Bupa has launched a series of films offering advice to people caring for someone with dementia. Bupa Care Homes, which provides specialist dementia care, has teamed up with choreographer Arlene Phillips to make the films for its Understand 
Dementia campaign.