Take Action This Dementia Action Week To Help Keep Loved Ones Safe

Wales & West Utilities is marking Dementia Action Week (20 – 26 May) by reminding families of those living with Dementia of two simple steps that will help their loved ones live independently for longer.

The free of charge services can help people live safely and independently in their own home, while giving family and carers peace of mind.

As part of Dementia Action Week, the gas emergency and pipeline service is urging people to consider:

1. Signing up to the Priority Service Register (PSR) – it’s simple and helps utility companies look after you when you need it most. Anyone aged 60+ or living with a chronic medical condition, like Dementia, can join. You will receive extra support if your energy supplies are interrupted, and you can ask your supplier to send your bill to anyone who has agreed to receive it (e.g. a family member or a carer)
2. Fitting a locking cooker valve – installation is easy, allowing the gas cooker to be used under supervision, and locked in the off position when the key holder leaves the house or room.

Nigel Winnan, Customer Service & Social Obligations Strategy Manager at Wales & West Utilities, said:

“We want to use Dementia Action Week to remind people of the free services we offer to help support the loved ones of those living with Dementia.

“The PSR helps us to identify and support the most vulnerable people in our communities, while locking cooker valves are a vital safety measure for our customers who can no longer operate their gas cooker safely, such as those living with Dementia, who may be at risk of harming themselves and their home by forgetting to turn off the hob.

“This simple to fit measure means that our priority customers can safely remain in their own home and maintain their independence, while their family or carer will have peace of mind that they will not come to harm when they are alone.”

To sign up for these services, go to wwutilities.co.uk/priority. Here you will be able to sign up for the PSR, whilst also applying for a locking cooker valve, via an online form. Wales & West Utilities will then be in touch to arrange installation.

Dementia Action Week is a national event that encourages people to take action to improve the lives of people affected by Dementia. One in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop Dementia in their lifetime, and there will be one million people living with Dementia by 2025 making Dementia care one of the greatest challenges facing our society.

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night. Before visiting, we’ll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household, is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We’ll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe.