OLDER people in Meirionnydd living with dementia are set to benefit from more regular support and an expanded day service, thanks to the new Blaenau Ffestiniog Health and Wellbeing Centre.

Staff from the South Gwynedd Older Peoples’ Mental Health team say that new facilities and increased capacity at the Canolfan Goffa Ffestiniog, which is due to open in September, will help meet an ever increasing demand for the service.

Specialist dementia day services are currently provided from hospitals in Dolgellau, Tywyn, Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Pwllheli.

The service provides a welcome respite for carers, and a dedicated environment for older people with dementia to be social, interact, and reduce isolation.

During each dementia day service session, individuals with dementia have the opportunity to participate in physical exercise programs and staffed activities that are mentally stimulating.

These can include memory recall and reminisce games, relaxation sessions, word searches and board games.

Older Peoples’ Mental Health Team Manager, Glenys Williams said: “We’re currently based in a building in Blaenau Ffestiniog which is not fit for purpose. We know that there are many more people who could benefit from the service, but we just don’t have the capacity at the moment.

“The new health and wellbeing centre will enable us to double the number of sessions available, and also double the number of people we are able to accommodate at each session. Providing these sessions in a bright and modern facility will also make a big difference.

“We’re also hoping to work with our third sector partners such as the Alzheimer’s Society and Age Cymru to establish a drop in service which will help to provide information and support to people with dementia and their carers.”

“Our aim is to provide a person centred service which helps older people with dementia to retain their skills and abilities for as long as possible, while building confidence and self-esteem, and the ability to socialise. All of this helps to reduce the sense of isolation that dementia can impose on people.”

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