Could you, or someone you know, benefit from the support of Age Cymru’s dementia advocacy project?

People living with dementia in Wales can face a unique set of challenges in almost all areas of their lives.

The charity says that while living with dementia can be challenging, it shouldn’t mean that you lose the right to shape your own life.

Age Cymru’s Independent Dementia Advocacy project, funded by the Welsh Government, provides adults living with dementia with independent dementia advocates who can help people make informed decisions about aspects such as where they live, getting the social care they need, planning for later life, and staying connected to family and friends.

The project is based on enabling people to be involved in the major decisions affecting their lives and feeling sufficiently supported to make changes. Crucially, if people feel they’re at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect, their advocate can also look at ways to help them feel safer and if necessary be their voice with statutory services.

The role of the dementia advocate is to support, empower, and where necessary represent clients. It is not about carrying out tasks such as managing money, shopping, or completing legal documents such as wills or Lasting Power of Attorney.

Louise Hughes, who heads up the charity’s safeguarding and advocacy work, said: “Our project helps ensure that people living with dementia have their voices heard and are at the centre of the decisions that affect all aspects of their life.

“People living with dementia deserve to have their voices heard and their wishes respected the same as anyone else but may find it difficult to do that themselves. We know that living with dementia can be challenging for both the individual and their families, so please reach out and seek the support that is available.”

“The dementia advocate was amazing, and it was always about doing the right thing for my mum.” Client's daughter

“The dementia advocate in the area I cover is a true professional and without question an ambassador and champion who strengthens the voices of people who would otherwise be at risk of not being heard.” Social worker

"The dementia advocate empowered my father to speak, and he felt listened to. Dad said that the advocate was very knowledgeable and that he needed his support to understand systems and options." Client's son

“We have never seen our client so engaged and responsive in talking about the things that affect him than when he’s talking to his Age Cymru Dementia Advocate.” Care worker

If you, or anyone you know, might benefit from this support, please call Age Cymru on 02920 431 555 for an informal chat, email [email protected], or visit www.agecymru.wales/advocacy