THE September meeting of Chard Carers’ Support Group welcomed Trina, a support worker for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Trina outlined the services available, including home visits, telephone reviews – basic support to anyone with dementia or who cares for someone with dementia.
This was a particularly relevant time for the group’s newer members who will go on to meet with Trina privately about worries and practical issues.
Acceptance of the diagnosis seemed the key issue for both members at the present time and some solid advice was available to them to assist with this first diagnosis.
Facilities for those suffering from dementia locally include the Forget Me Not Café - run by Wellbeing, South Somerset.
This meets every Friday 10am to noon at the Young People’s Centre, Essex Close, Chard.
This is a group for those suffering memory loss and their carers/friends/supporters (01963 33588 for details).
Trina proved to be a fount of knowledge about anything from Power of Attorney to tips and advice about caring for someone whose memory is not what it was.
The discussion then ranged from medications and drug treatments and possible side effects, the different forms of dementia, to changes in perception and reality.
Trina was joined by Carol who is a support worker who facilitates the Singing for the Brain sessions run by the Alzheimer’s Society countrywide.
For anyone caring for or knowing someone with dementia, our local Singing for the Brain is a well-established group held at Muchelney House, Abbots Close, Ilminster.
Singing actively improves brain function and the group welcomes those with dementia and related illnesses plus their carers/friends/supporters.
The group is held fortnightly on a Thursday, 10am to 12.
Contact 01458 251541 between 9 and 5 weekdays to check running dates.
During the Chard Heritage week the group has been taking advantage of the various activities in the town, including a tour of the Numatic factory, the Lace Walk, and the Blue Plaque Walk, where we all learned something new about Chard’s history – and who knew that standing on the bottom step of Holyrood School you are at the same height as standing on the top of the church tower in Taunton?
Chard Carers’ Support Group will be at the Chard Community Showcase on Saturday 15 October – 9.30-1.30 at the Guildhall and the next Chard Carers’ Support Group meeting is 10.30-12.30 Monday 10 October at the hall behind The English Martyrs, East Street Chard, TA20 1EP.
On the agenda is a visit from the Filo Project, a group that provides day care for small groups of older people.
The group would also like to thank Chard Museum for the excellent guided walks.
Anyone interested can find the group on Facebook Chard Carers Support Group, email chardcarers@aol.com; or 
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