"Cognitive stimulation therapy - we need more support for carers"

Mum has attended this memory group. The difference it has made is staggering. It is regular, it is professional. When I ring her of an evening, I know that she has been to this group. Something that occurs is positive. She says, “I’ve done well today”. She cannot say what she has done but she is upbeat. It offers us as a family a slot where we know it is reliable, predictable and positive.

We have been given a pack of information but none of this is the equivalent of this small group with professional support. How does this offer carer support? The NHS talk about carer support but this is the only support and it is now finished. How does that work? All other groups we have tried are changeable, once a month and regularly cancelled. Then we have to deal with her disappointment, change trying to manage the calendar and diary which are now incorrect. This group has done something very important with excellent staff. However NHS need to support carers in a real way by offering an alternative.