A group of carers of partners attending a dementia day care centre have united to offer each other invaluable support.

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington’s Dementia Day Care provides a range of services and activities for older people.

This included a service for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, offering a space where individuals can enjoy socialising, crafts, games, and exercise in a safe and stimulating environment.

Helen Hunter, CEO of Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, said: “We are proud to offer this service to people with dementia and their carers in our community. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are serious and complex conditions that affect not only the individuals but also their families and carers."

Darlington’s Judy Yeoman, 83, is one of the carers whose husband, Campbell, 90, has Alzheimer’s disease and who attends the day care centre.

She said: “The day care is the best thing that’s happened to him, as he’s so much more outgoing. I didn’t think he’d like it but he definitely looks forward to it.”

The Northern Echo: Carers Judy Yeoman and Josie Lee

She herself looks forward to meeting other carers who attend day care. The centre also gives carers an opportunity to break from their demanding roles and the chance to meet and converse with others with similar situations.

Judy said: “It’s about finding a safe space to have that support from people who truly understand what you’re going through.”

Another carer who benefits is 74-year-old Josie Lee from Darlington. Her 83-year-old husband, Bob, suffers with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Josie labels the day care ‘a godsend’, especially for her husband who enjoys crafts and socialising with ‘the boys’ at the centre.

She said: “Bob loves coming here, and I get a break too. It’s wonderful to have found this place. Residential care is so very scarce.”

She added: “Unofficial carers are so undervalued that it’s important to have that recognition, that help and that support. Our little group is an absolute godsend. It’s an opportunity to lean on each other and share stories and have that non-judgmental support that we really need.”

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Research from the Alzheimer’s Association revealed that more than one million people in the UK are living with dementia, and this number is expected to rise in the near future.

Helen said: “There is currently no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but research is ongoing to find better treatments and prevention strategies.

"In the meantime, we are here to provide information, advice, and services for people living with these conditions and their loved ones.”