Where can I get support?

Finding support and asking for it is really important when you have dementia. Start by looking at who you have around you who can help you out. Think about how you can call on to help with shopping, taking you to appointments and making sure your home is safe and secure. It’s also important to think about who might help you sort out your affairs and lend a hand with legal and financial matters. This might be one or two key people who are already in your life and you know you can count on, or you might have to look more widely – trusted friends, neighbours, a community linked with work or a place of worship, for example. In terms of dementia-specific help, information and advice, there are a few key points of contact, for example: Your GP Your doctor is a key point of support. You can speak to your GP about your care plan and your changing needs, getting in touch with other health professionals, such as physiotherapists and audiologists for hearing checks. And of course you can also ask for him or her about health and wellbeing advice. The NHS website has useful information about dementia too – click here for more https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/ Local authority Your local council’s social services department is a good point of contact. You’ll need a care plan – if one isn’t put in place by your GP or memory clinic, speak to your local authority. They will usually organise support in relation to organising a care needs assessment, too. You can find out more about that here < https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/> Age UK Age UK runs day centres, dementia-suitable activities and offers one-to-one help and group support for people living with dementia. They have support for carers, too. Click here < https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/dementia-support/> or call 0800 678 1602 for more information. Dementia UK Dementia UK provides specialist dementia nurses, in partnership with the NHS. They are called Admiral Nurses and you can find out more about them here or call the Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678. Alzheimer’s Society If you’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s head to the Alzheimer’s < https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/> website for specific information. You can also call the Dementia Connect support helpline on 0333 150 3456. Rare Dementia Support If you’ve been diagnosed with a rare type of dementia, you’ll find help and advice at Rare Dementia Support – click here < https://www.raredementiasupport.org/> for details Independent Age For financial advice, try the charity Independent Age here Government website You’ll find an overview of the various levels of support available for people with dementia and their carers on the government website here < https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/after-a-diagnosis-of-dementia-what-to-expect-from-health-and-care-services/after-diagnosis-of-dementia-what-to-expect-from-health-and-care-services>. You can also sign up for NHS emails about dementia here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/care-and-support/dementia-information-service/ Sources: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/care-and-support/social-services-and-the-nhs/ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/after-a-diagnosis-of-dementia-what-to-expect-from-health-and-care-services/after-diagnosis-of-dementia-what-to-expect-from-health-and-care-services