Bath and North East Somerset Council's libraries has launched a new Books on Prescription service for people with dementia. Available at all local libraries, the service was launched last week at an event in Midsomer Norton Library.
The 25 titles on the Reading Well Books on Prescription for Dementia list have been recommended by health experts, as well as people with experience of the illness. The list includes a range of books offering information and advice about dementia and normal ageing, support with living well after diagnosis, practical advice for carers, personal stories and suggestions for shared therapeutic activities. The books are available in all Bath and North East Somerset Libraries for anyone to borrow, free of charge. They can also be reserved free of charge from: http://www.librarieswest.org.uk">www.librarieswest.org.uk Library book loans and borrower details are treated as strictly confidential. There is also a reading list for common mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Councillor David Dixon, the Council's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "The new Books on Prescription for Dementia initiative is a valuable addition to the role our libraries are already playing in providing support and information for the communities of Bath and North East Somerset. Reading Well Books on Prescription has been running since 2013 and is recognised as a helpful community-based mental health service with over 100 books from the list borrowed every month from local libraries."
Cllr Simon Allen, the Council's Cabinet Member for WellBeing, said: "These books have been recommended by experts and people with experience of dementia and we recommend the scheme to patients and carers. Although essentially a booklist, it has the potential to be much more, by encouraging people with dementia to find out more and to engage with others in the community can only help to de-stigmatise the condition and make Bath and North East Somerset a dementia-friendly place to live."
Dr Ruth Grabham, Medical Director at Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group and local GP, said: "Being diagnosed with dementia can leave my patients and their carers feeling worried and overwhelmed, so I welcome this new library resource which can help everyone to understand and manage this condition better. We expect nearly a 40% increase in the number of residents aged over 65 over the next fifteen years and our clinical commissioning group and GP members recognise the pressing need to build on the current range of support services for those with dementia and their carers."
The Alzheimer's Society also held a Singing for the Brain session at the launch last week, which uses singing to bring people together in a friendly and stimulating social environment. Singing is not only an enjoyable activity, it can also provide a way for people with dementia, along with their carers, to express themselves and socialise with others in a fun and supportive group.