Where can you go for support with dementia?

Following a diagnosis of dementia, or even when trying to gain a diagnosis, it can be difficult to identify where to go to get the help and support you need.

In this article, we’ve listed out some of the ways in which you can get support when living with dementia.

Support from your GP

Both pre and post-diagnosis, your GP will be able to make referrals, provide treatment and advice to ensure you have access to the help and support needed to live well with dementia.

They will also be there to help with any other health concerns, ensuring that the right treatment is received, and that good physical and mental wellbeing are maintained.

Your GP may refer you to a memory clinic…

Memory Clinics

A memory clinic is a specialist centre that can run particular tests, such as CAT, MRI and SPECT scans, to determine whether you’re living with dementia and the stage of the condition.

Running the tests allows them to identify helpful treatments and recommend lifestyle changes ad exercises to help manage dementia.

They will also offer future appointments to monitor the progression of your dementia, as well as providing you with access to further information and support services.

Social Services

Social services at your local council will be able to do a needs assessment, which will identify what help you need to manage in your daily life.

From this, a plan will be put in place to ensure you receive the help and support you need. A financial assessment will also be carried out to see if the council will pay towards the cost of your care.

Dementia Charities

Support and advice are available from a number of charities, which we have listed out below.

• Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through their Admiral Nurse service, who offer one-to-one support, guidance and practical solutions. They also run a free Dementia Helpline, where you can contact their dementia specialist Admiral Nurses on 0800 888 6678.

• Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. They campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia.

• Alzheimer’s Research UK is the leading dementia and Alzheimer’s disease research charity, and its mission is to bring the first life-changing dementia treatment by 2025.
• Age UK is dedicated to helping people to make the most of later life, providing services and support to inspire, enable and support older people.

• Carers UK provides help and support to carers across the UK, as caring for a loved one who is living with dementia can be both rewarding and bewildering.

• The Carers Trust also provide support to carers and work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend

Support from Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can give peace of mind to you and your loved ones and allow you to remain safe and independent when living with dementia.

It can help you to continue living in your own home so that you can carry on enjoying your usual daily life for as long as possible.

To find out more about assistive technology and the types of technology available to help, click here to read our article. 

At Progress Lifeline we understand just how important it is for every person to feel valued and respected, regardless of age, gender, or ability. That’s part of the reason that we provide products and services that promote independent yet supported living to those who need it.

We are aware that individual needs vary from person to person and can tailor packages based on your individual needs.

If you have any questions about assistive technology and the options available to you and your loved ones, email us at contact@progresslifeline.org.uk or call us on 03333 204 999.