Lincolnshire Charity Expands Dementia Support Kits Across the County

A charity initiative based in Lincolnshire, focused on assisting those with dementia, is broadening its support. The charity, Bob’s Brainwaves, was founded by Chris Suich from Louth and it has been committed to offering free dementia care kits to families throughout the area ever since its inception in 2023. Though already operational in West Lindsey, East Lindsey, and Boston, the scheme is now extending its services to Grimsby. These kits encompass vital forms and useful notes for daily usage around the house, comprising reminders such as ‘lock the door’ or ‘don’t turn this off’ for various appliances, including freezers.

The charity was christened after Bob, Mrs Suich’s late husband who served as a leisure and tourism officer for East Lindsey District Council prior to being diagnosed with amnesia and later, dementia. Mrs Suich, who became his prime carer for nine years before he moved to a care home in 2020, characterised the experience of his diagnosis as ‘isolating’ and ‘confusing’. She stressed the value of the care pack scheme, saying, ‘While the NHS fulfils its role, charities operate independently. This pack consolidates all the resources and collects them in one location.’

The packs have seen high demand, with carers and families lauding them as a ‘lifesaver’. A recent launch event took place at the Centre4 community centre in Grimsby, where Fay Gorwood, 85, a fundraiser who cared for her husband before he passed away 16 years ago, voiced her backing for the project. She commented, ‘Chris is contributing so meaningfully that I desired to offer her my support. The pack she assembled is critically important because when you’re providing care for someone with dementia, you don’t have the luxury of time for research.’

These indispensable packs can be procured from the Alzheimer’s Society office in Grimsby and via Navigo Health and Social Care.

This story was adjusted by The Lincoln Post from piece originally reported by www.bbc.com.