PEOPLE who are living with dementia in Fermanagh are being offered the chance to avail of a unique and new support system which will provide comfort and relief to them and their families.
The Council has linked up with the Western Trust, Age Concern Causeway and Public Health Agency to introduce a new safeguarding scheme into the local area.
People living with dementia in Fermanagh and across the North are being urged to avail off a ‘Scan the Band for a Helping Hand’ scheme which stores electronic information about the wearer.
The information can be scanned if the individual is found lost or distressed, or in need of help.
Dementia Service Improvement Lead at the Community and Older People’s Services at the Western Trust, Majella Magee, has welcomed the initiative which will help many families.
“We are delighted to be the second Trust in Northern Ireland to roll out the Dementia Wristband scheme and are very grateful for the support, advice and funding,” Ms Magee explained.
“We know that the number of people in Northern Ireland with dementia is continuing to grow and they may feel they don’t have a voice; we want to be their voice.
“The wristbands say: ‘I have dementia scan the QR code with your phone if I need help.’ All the QR codes are individual and linked to Age Concern’s website.
“As well as giving peace of mind to loved ones, the bands will help those living with dementia to remain active, raise awareness and reduce the risks when out and about,” she added.
There was a strong turnout across the Fermanagh community for the recent open event.
“At a recent gettogether service users were delighted to have access to the dementia wristbands to help them stay active and to help raise awareness of the scheme in the local community,” explained Ms Magee.
Free wristbands will be distributed by GP social workers, dementia navigators and voluntary and community organisations who support older people across the Western Trust..