Dementia Carers Count history - Dementia Carers Count

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 150^th 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.

Download the Dementia Carers Count history as a PDF.

INTRODUCED RSAS

1862

The Surgical Aid Society is founded in London.

PROVIDING OPERATIONS

1871

The Society’s own surgeons begin operating on patients.

First Office

1883

The first branch office opens, in Croydon

EDWARD VII

1901

Edward VII becomes Patron of the Society.

Society’s Golden Jubilee

1912

The Society’s golden jubilee. George V grants Royal title.

FIRST WORLD WAR

1914

RSAS helps British soldiers and Belgian war refugees.

SCHOOL CHILDREN SPECTACLES

1921

Spectacles supplied to children whose families are unable to afford them.

THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE

1948

New National Health Service takes over supply of medical aids.

RSAS First Homes For Elderly Residents

1951

RSAS acquires its first homes for elderly residents.

Opening of Bradbury Centre

1995

RSAS’s Bradbury Centre opens for frail elderly and Alzheimer’s patients.

RSAS renamed AgeCare

2001

RSAS becomes known as AgeCare.

RSAS’s 150th Anniversary

2012

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

Introduction of a new staff and strategy

2017

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