The Courier has reported that charity Angus Care and Repair has been awarded more than £300,000 to offer a Dementia Enablement Service to upwards of 100 people a year, regardless of their age when diagnosed.

Traditionally, older people receive funding for support and adaptations at home when they have a physical need.

Care and Repair will extend this crucial support to people with dementia, who may not always qualify for these funded adaptations because the works are not viewed as typical.

Grant Langlands and Kay Telford will improve the surroundings, independence and confidence of people living with dementia, and help them live independently in their own homes.

Enablement officer Grant visits homes and Kay provides the administration and telephone contact for the service.

Kay and Grant visited the Kirriemuir Dementia Hub at KirrieConnections, Bank Street to talk about the service.

Grant, a skilled joiner, said the need for equipment or adaptation can arise from a change in how people with dementia perceive their surroundings – a white rail on a white wall can appear invisible, or a patterned carpet could cause dizziness and disorientation.

He told The Courier: “I will visit the person at home to explain the service, carry out a home assessment looking at the needs and safety of the individual and then I can also fit adaptations such as coloured grab rails or signage on doors to give clearer direction.

“We also have daylight bulbs, a weekly planner, a memory digital clock and other items that could make home life easier.”

The charity said small changes like these have been shown to reduce falls, accidents and confusion.

This can lead to an increase in confidence and independence, and even better physical health.

Early intervention could also be less costly over the long term.

Funding has come from the Life Changes Trust, an independent charity set up with a Big Lottery Fund endowment of £50 million to improve the lives of people affected by dementia and young people from care.

This service is open to anyone living in Angus who is diagnosed, going through diagnosis or feel they are affected by dementia.