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Our History

Our History

We became known as Dementia Carers Count in 2018, but the organisation has a rich history beginning over 150 years earlier.

The Surgical Aid Society was founded in June 1862 by William Watson, a City lawyer, with the aim of distributing medical and surgical aids to those in need. Up until the year 2000 the Society provided a total of 1,929,210 surgical aids to those in need; not only in the UK, but in many other countries across the world. When the National Health Service took over this work, the Society set up homes to care for older people, including people with dementia.

Edward VII became our first Royal patron in 1901. George V succeeded him in 1910 and two years later granted the ‘Royal’ title so that we became the Royal Surgical Aid Society. Dementia Carers Count still retains its Royal status today.

On our 150th anniversary the Board agreed that we should focus on supporting family carers of people with dementia. Our new name, Dementia Carers Count, was chosen to reflect our renewed mission and purpose.

Timeline

1862 – Foundation

The Surgical Aid Society is founded in London by City lawyer, William Watson.

1871 – Providing Operations

The Society’s own surgeons begin operating on patients.

1883 – First Office

The Society opens its first branch office in Croydon

1901 – Royal Patronage

Edward VII becomes Patron of the Society

1912 – Society’s Golden Jubilee

Royal Patron George V grants us our ‘Royal’ title.

1914 – First World War

The Royal Surgical Aid Society as we’re now known – or RSAS for short – helps British soldiers and Belgian refugees

1921 – School Children’s Spectacles

The Society provides glasses to children who can’t afford them.

1948 – the National Health Service

The newly formed National Health Service takes over the supply of surgical aids.

2012 – 150th Anniversary

RSAS’s 150th anniversary brings a change of direction, to support family carers of people with dementia.

2017 – A new strategy

Following a raft of detailed research and planning, a new staff team and strategy are put in place.

2018 – Dementia Carers Count

Launching as Dementia Carers Count in 2018, our new name reflects our focused purpose and mission.