GPs will soon be able to recommend self-help books to people with dementia and their carers, with the launch of another ‘Reading Well Books on Prescription’ initiative.
The books will be available in public libraries from February as part of the Government’s drive to develop ‘dementia-friendly’ communities.
GPs will be able to recommend books to patients, but people can also self-refer to borrow them.
The scheme includes 25 titles recommended by health experts and people living with dementia, offering information and advice about the condition, support with living well after a diagnosis, practical advice for carers, personal accounts and suggestions for shared therapeutic activities.
The dementia series follows a similar scheme providing books on prescription for common mental health problems, which has been well received by patients and clinicians.
Norman Lamb, minister of state for care and support, said: ‘Dementia can be devastating and it’s vital people have as much information as possible so that they can live well with the condition.
‘This is a fantastic project which has already helped thousands of people with mental health conditions and I hope the new dementia scheme will be just as successful in giving people and their families access to valuable information and support.’
