A recent report highlights the importance of volunteers and community support for people living with dementia and their carers.
THE REPORT
The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) have recently released a report, Living well with dementia, highlighting the importance of volunteers and community support for people living with dementia and their carers.
With dementia cases increasing, many families find themselves struggling to access vital non-medical support. The RVS survey states that over a third of those caring for loved ones receive little to no support after a diagnosis, leaving many feeling ‘isolated and overwhelmed’.
Other findings from the report include:
- 37% of caregivers receive no help after their loved one’s diagnosis, leading to feelings of isolation and emotional distress.
- 63% of caregivers are seeking more support.
- Nearly one in four (24%) expressed a willingness to volunteer in dementia support groups.
- 81% of support group attendees saw improvements in their loved one’s mood, well-being, appetite and physical health.
- 98% of caregivers attending support groups experienced benefits such as emotional support and a sense of community.
The report highlights how community programmes provide respite and social connection. It calls for more funding and volunteers to expand dementia support services.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
RVS provides activity and support groups in Wales and England, offering valuable assistance to families.
Irene’s story, shared in the report, brings these challenges to life. As a caregiver for her husband with dementia, she felt overwhelmed and alone, until she found a weekly dementia support group run by RVS. For Irene, it was more than just support; it was a lifeline.
She said: ‘It’s not a journey anyone should have to face alone.’
With 63% of caregivers seeking more support, the need for accessible community resources has never been clearer to help individuals and their families navigate life with dementia.
After losing her husband in 2022, Irene found a new purpose in volunteering with the same dementia support group that once helped her. She described it as a way to express gratitude while spreading awareness and compassion in the community, proof that support groups don’t just help those with dementia, but also those who care for them.
VOLUNTEERING
While medical advances help, stronger community networks, more funding and volunteers are vital to ensuring no one faces dementia alone.
Volunteering plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of both dementia patients and their caregivers, offering emotional support, social interaction and improved quality of life. The report highlights the need for more accessible, community-driven services and calls for greater collaboration to expand these efforts:
- Improved Access – many support services are located far from those in need, making them difficult to reach.
- Expanding volunteer-led initiatives could help bring services closer to local communities.
- Expanding volunteer opportunities within dementia care.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about health and social care in Wales at WCVA’s Health and Care Project page.