It can be overwhelming, not only for the people who have it, but also for their carers and families. There is often a lack of awareness and understanding of dementia, resulting in stigmatisation and barriers to diagnosis and care. The impact of dementia on carers, family and society at large can be, physical, psychological, social and economic.

 

This article aims to help you discover a little bit about living with dementia, and sign post you to some other helpful sights, to help you live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

 

A diagnosis of dementia can range from relief to a mixture of fear, denial and helplessness. This is all very normal, and you may need help to come through the initial stages of diagnosis, whether that diagnosis is for you or your carers.

 

It’s a good idea, when you are ready, to tell people about your diagnosis, and the things you have trouble with, if you can. This will help people understand and support you if help is needed. It may be the case that some people will treat you differently, due to their lack of understanding or not knowing how to help. Either way staying in touch with family and good friend’s is really helpful; these are the people who will enable you to continue to engage socially and live life as full as possible, which is good for your well being.

 

You don’t have to give up on the things you enjoy, such as going shopping or going to the cinema or the bingo. You’ll find that many social communities are dementia friendly, and even run special sessions and activities, for example, there are a growing number of ‘Memory Cafes’ that people with dementia are enjoying. Its really important for your confidence and well being to stay as active and involved as possible. 

 

There are so many charities out there that can help you with information and point you in the right direction, with practical help or personalised advice. Here are some organisations to get you started on your journey. 

 

•   Following diagnosis, According to the World Health Organisation Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide. 

•   It can be overwhelming, not only for the people who have it, but also for their carers and families. There is often a lack of awareness and understanding of dementia, resulting in stigmatisation and barriers to diagnosis and care. The impact of dementia on carers, family and society at large can be physical, psychological, social and economic.

•   This article aims to help you discover a little bit about living with dementia and sign post you to some other helpful sights, to help you live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

•   A diagnosis of dementia can range from relief to mixture of fear, denial and helplessness. This is all very normal and you may need help to come through the initial stages of diagnosis, whether that diagnosis is for you or your carers.

•   It’s a good idea, when you are ready, to tell people about your diagnosis, and the things you have trouble with; this will help people understand and support you, if help is needed. 

•   It may also be the case that some people will treat you differently, due to their lack of understanding or knowing how to help. Either way staying in touch with family and good friend is really helpful as these are the people who will enable you to continue to engage socially. 

•   In some areas such as Nottinghamshire, the NHS will enrol you automatically via email to their online hub, which is full of really good articles and videos to help you, as well as all of your personal case notes and appointments.

 

•   Alzheimer’s Society  – Are a leading dementia support and research charity here in the UK, with clear and easy to understand information. You’ll find a whole host of information about  the various types of dementia, treatments and diagnosis, making this a good place to start.

   https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia

 

•   The Alzheimer’s Society also have a useful page on their website, giving good practical advice on day to day living.

   https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living

 

•   NHS Dementia Guide, is a really easy to read site with lots of useful information and links to some other good articles.

   https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/carers/

 

•   Alzheimer’s Research UK, are the country’s leading dementia research charity, dedicated to diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure; they offer more in-depth technical insights of dementia.

   https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/

•   Dementia Friends, are part of the Alzheimer’s Society, their aim is to change people’s perception of dementia by challenging stereotypes and false beliefs. You can attend one of their information sessions to learn about these mis conceptions and become a dementia friend.

   https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/

 

•   Dementia Talking Point, is an online community for people with dementia, their family, friends and carers. It’s a place to ask questions, share experiences and get advice and support online.

   https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/

 

•   Carers UK Forum  Provides online support for carers of people living with dementia, to ask questions and get advice or support online. If you or a loved one, are living with dementia, you may face financial or legal issues such as   paying for care or making a will. It’s important to seek professional advice and make informed decisions in these cases.

   https://www.carersuk.org/forum/specific-disabilities-conditions/dementia

 

•   Society of Later Life Advisors (SOLLA), helps people find accredited financial advisers for financial needs in later life.

   https://societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk/

 

 

Talking to someone 

There’s nothing like talking to someone; a friendly voice at the end of a phone can make all the difference; being able to ask your own questions about specific worries. Many charities offer helplines that are useful for this purpose.

 

Here are a few that may help

 

•   National Dementia Helpline – contact on 0300 222 11 22. Run by the Alzheimer’s Society;  advisers are available to give you the support and advice you need 7 days a week. You will find there opening hours at:-

   https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-connect-support-line

 

•   Age UK Advice Line – contact on 0800 055 6112. The advice Line is open 365 days a year, 9am – 7pm. They also have an online form you can fill out here 

    https://www.ageuk.org.uk/contact-us/information-and-advice/

 

•   Dementia UK – contact on 0800 888 6678, has advisors available to answer any questions or concerns about dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They are open Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm and Saturday to Sunday 9am – 5pm. They can also be contacted by email at: helpline@dementiauk.org

 

•   Carers UK – contact on 0808 808 7777, if you’re a carer of  a  loved one with dementia, you can contact for advice about rights, benefits and other services available for carers. The helpline is only open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am until 4pm. 

 

•   Citizens Advice – contact on 03444 111 444, can be contacted for a wide array of free legal and money advice.

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

 

•   Dementia Directory - Alzheimer’s Society have a searchable Dementia Directory where you can look for dementia support local to you. 

   https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/find-support-near-you

 

•   Admiral Nurses - Dementia UK can help you find local Admiral Nurses, they provide specialist dementia support.

   https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/find-an-admiral-nurse/

 

•   Memory Café - Usually run by volunteers, these are places to meet and talk to other people facing the same challenges, and find advice and guidance.

   https://nationalmemoryday.org.uk/memory-cafes/

 

Local Support Groups, in your local area can help you build a network of people you can turn to in a similar situation, so you can share experiences, advice and friendship.

 

There are also charity fundraising events, taking part in these activities can help you feel involved and supported.

Premier Community -  Our services are also here to help you care for your loved ones, as long as staying at home is the best option for them.  Our staff all understand the complexities and difficulties of caring for someone at home with dementia, and are fully trained to offer personal care, home help, respite care, night care or companionship care, up to  24 hours a day.