PEOPLE caring for someone with dementia are being offered the chance to learn more about the disease at a series of courses being run by Alzheimer’s Society in Norton.

The course aims to help carers understand more about the condition and its symptoms, including the sort of behaviours that people may display which can at times be challenging. It will also provide information about legal and financial considerations of looking after a person with dementia, as well as the importance of looking after themselves.

Deborah Senior, Alzheimer’s Society dementia support worker, said: “Relatives of people with dementia often say that it can be really frustrating when someone doesn’t want to change their clothes, have a shower or sleep at night, especially if the person doesn’t accept that there is anything wrong with them.“Understanding how the person is trying to make sense of the world, and how they feel about the losses they are experiencing, can help relatives to be more patient and cope better. This, in turn, helps the person with dementia to be more content.

“The courses will also help people to better understand the disease and there will be the opportunity for carers to discuss the difficulties they face and what tactics work for them.’

The next four-week course starts on February 20 at Norton Hive Community Hub, from 11am to 1pm each week. Phone the Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale office of Alzheimer’s Society on 01723 500958.