As the Alzheimer’s Society reveals that there are currently 917 people living with dementia in Ryedale, HANNAH BRYAN speaks to a family coping with the illness and their fears for future funding.

THE CARERS of nearly 1,000 adults living with dementia in Ryedale, are struggling to cope according to a recent review of services.

Produced by the London School of Economics and King's College London for the Alzheimer's Society, Dementia UK: The Second Edition revealed that a total of 917 people in Ryedale are currently living with dementia, with a significant number cared for by just one carer who helps them do everyday tasks such as getting dressed and going to the toilet.

A separate report, Dementia 2014 published by the Alzheimer's Society, found that 43 per cent of people with dementia said that their carer received no help in their caring role.

Judith King, Alzheimer's Society operations manager for Yorkshire and the Humber said that despite some areas in the region performing well in their level of care, there was still a long way to go.

"Despite good progress, this research highlights the huge financial and human impact dementia is having," she said.

"It is vital that government takes action. We must do more to ensure that everyone living with dementia gets the care and support they need."

Nick and Irene Pennington, who are both in their 70's and live in Pickering, have firsthand experience of what it's like to live with dementia but say that the care they have received in Ryedale has been outstanding.

In 2010 Nick was given a formal Alzheimer’s diagnosis but his wife said that the family can remember the early warning signs of memory loss starting to show from 2006.

After visiting the GP, Nick was then referred for a brain scan and Irene said that getting the diagnosis proved to be key in accessing the help Nick was entitled to.

She said: "The diagnosis is key. That's the thing I would say to people, go to your GP early and get a referral because that's the key to getting support and any treatment."

Nick was then referred to the mental health team at Malton Hospital who Irene said have remained in regular contact and have been incredibly supportive.

Since his diagnosis, Irene has been Nick’s main carer and has received help from Ryedale Carers Support, based in Kirkbymoorside, where a volunteer would come in for a couple of hours a week to sit with Nick.

Irene and Nick now receive help from North Yorkshire County Council adult services unit where a carer comes in for two hours a week to look after Nick whilst Irene does the shopping and reads for an elderly friend in Pickering.

She said: "The care we have received and the staff from NYCC have been excellent. I know that when I go out he is safe and that is the most important thing. I also have wonderful supportive friends and neighbours."

Nick also visits the Memory Cafe in Pickering every month as well as Singing for the Brain held in Norton once a fortnight.

But with government cuts rife, Irene is hoping that the council can continue to provide the funded services.

She said: "Looking after someone with dementia is a 24/7 seven day a week job. One of the problems of two hours a week is that it's not enough time for me to get to Scarborough for example to do some shopping. Four or five hours would be better and I just hope it will be able to continue for as long as possible otherwise it will go down to two hours once a fortnight."

For more information on Alzheimer's visit www.alzheimers.org.uk