Alzheimer's Society
Why we’re working together
Dementia is a group of symptoms that, over time, can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Around 1 million people in the UK are living with dementia with someone in the UK developing dementia every 3 minutes
For people with dementia, the associated confusion and memory loss can increase their risk of energy mismanagement and overconsumption. It also makes them more vulnerable to carbon monoxide and other safety risks. On top of this, many people living with dementia spend 22 hours a day in their own homes, meaning they spend a significant amount of money heating their homes.
People living with aspects of dementia also often have extra costs due to working less or having to stop work altogether. As the condition progresses, families face new pressures on household budgets, including home adaptations and social care. These pressures are being exacerbated further by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Together with Cadent and Wales & West Utilities, we’ve partnered with the UK’s leading dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society to ensure people living with dementia can maintain a safe and warm home.
We’re expanding our previous 12-month initiative to reach more families across England and Wales with energy safeguarding and income maximisation support.
What we’re achieving together
- Upskilling Community Dementia Advisors with skills in energy safeguarding, benefits assessments and carbon monoxide awareness
- Providing tailored energy efficiency and safeguarding advice at dementia cafés, in homes and over the phone
- Promoting the Priority Services Register and helping households sign up for the free service
- Keeping households safe by installing free locking cooker valves for households living with dementia
- Raising awareness of carbon monoxide safety at home
- Advising households living with dementia on income maximisation and benefit entitlement
How to get involved
Accessing the Dementia Energy Support service and wider Dementia Support
As one of our Safe & Warm community partners, you can refer households living with dementia to Alzheimer’s Society for support by calling the charity directly on 0333 150 3456.
If you, or someone you know, is living with Dementia, Alzheimer’s Society has a range of dementia support services. You find the support you need by visiting the Alzheimer’s Society website.
Becoming an Alzheimer’s Society partner
You can find out more about partnering with Alzheimer’s Society on the charity’s website.