Short Breaks Fund Keeps Pioneering Dementia Service Going

Bield Housing And Care Press releases

Bield contacts_stage 2-1Bield, one of Scotland’s leading providers of housing and care services for older people  has received over £20,000 to continue their pioneering dementia support service.

Bield’s Whitehill Court in Kirkintilloch currently runs an evening care service for people with dementia and thanks to the support of the Short Breaks Fund, which is resourced by the Scottish Government, the evening care service can continue to run for a further two years as a result of the grant.

The unique service at Whitehill Court provides an opportunity for people with dementia in the local community to spend time away from their home.

The grant will allow Whitehill Court to run an evening care service twice a week in the first year and then once a week in year two.

Not only does it provide a safe environment for anyone with dementia, it also offers much needed respite for carers.

Rhona Forrest, Resource Manager at Whitehill Court, explained that grants of this nature are essential to the provision of services, such as the evening care service.

She said: “It is really fantastic to receive the grant again for Whitehill Court.

“The evening care service we run is incredibly important and makes a real difference to the lives of those who use it.

“It is incredibly important that those who are caring for people with dementia have the chance for time out – a chance to do things themselves or to do activities they want or need to do.

“We have had one carer book a holiday abroad for the first time in a number of years due to the service and another has been able to sign-up for an Open University course, which is fantastic.”Lady in Swimming Pool

According to the Carers Trust, there are 657,000 carers in Scotland and in the next 30 years, this is expected to rise by 60%.

The evening care service at Whitehill Court encourages people with dementia to take part in new activities and enjoy themselves.

From trips to the pub, to visiting famous Scottish landmarks, such as the Kelpies – nothing is impossible.

Bield’s Fundraiser, Kevin Rowe said: “We are delighted to have this kind of support.

“The service has been recognised for its good work in the past so we are very keen to keep the service going.

“This grant from the Short Breaks Fund allows us to do that.

“We really believe the evening care service is helping to meet the needs of those people with dementia and their loved ones.”