Living well with dementia: better community provision for all 

Thousands of people caring for loved ones with dementia are being left to cope alone

From our own experience and data from impact studies, we know that in-person support groups  make a huge difference to those affected by dementia. Unfortunately, for many, access to support like this is extremely limited or in some cases, not available at all.

Royal Voluntary Service’s report, co-authored with Dr Richard Elsworthy PHD, research fellow at The University of Birmingham, exposes the serious gaps in dementia support across Britain and brings to light the realities of living with dementia for individuals and their caregivers.

"Worryingly, our study shows too many people are subject to receiving whatever dementia support is available in their local area or simply have no support at all."

Dr Rachel Fox, national dementia development manager at Royal Voluntary Service

"The need for dementia related services is present more than ever. Lifestyle management and engagement in psychosocial activity is key and support groups are highly beneficial to people with dementia and their caregivers."

Dr Richard J Elsworthy PhD, research fellow, University of Birmingham 

Royal Voluntary Service’s dementia services are built on a model of involving highly engaged volunteer helpers, and encouragingly the report suggests millions more may be willing to give their time to support a local group (1).

"Increased funding combined with a mass mobilisation of volunteers would enable services like ours to be rapidly upscaled and expanded for the benefit of more dementia communities across Britain."

Dr Rachel Fox, national dementia development manager at Royal Voluntary Service

Plugging gaps in service provision

Rates of dementia are projected to increase to over 1.4 million by 2040 (2), with one in two of us expected to be affected in our lifetime, either by developing dementia or caring for someone with it, or both (3). 

With demand for support set to increase, there’s a clear and urgent call to action from this report. Greater funding for dementia support services must be a priority, with a mass mobilisation of volunteers needed to build and expand services on a significant scale.

Literature review

The Living well with dementia: better community provision for all report was informed by a literature review by Dr Richard Elsworthy PHD from the University of Birmingham focusing on the scale of the dementia challenge and the latest research on pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions and treatments. It also explored the benefits volunteers bring to those living with dementia and their carers. 

References

1. Figures from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2006 adults, of which 148 were or are carers for someone with dementia. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20 - 21 August 2024.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

2. The economic impact of dementia: Module 1: Annual costs of dementia May 2024, Carnall Farrar (CF) and Alzheimer’s Society. alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-05/the-annual-costs-of-dementia.pdf

3. Estimating the potential future impact and return on research investment in dementia. Office of Health Economics for ARUK., June 2023. ohe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OHE-report_Estimating-Dementia-UK.pdf