Dementia and memory loss

Information for people living with dementia and their family/carers

Get support

Social care and support assessment

Get a social care and support assessment if you're struggling to do things on a daily basis, or need extra support. 

Carers Assessment

If you care for or support someone with dementia, you are a carer and you are entitled to a Carers assessment, even if the person you care for does not want, need or receive support services themselves.

Diagnosis and support

Following referral, usually by your GP, ReMind UK provide memory clinics and diagnosis, plus information, support and activities for you and your carer. Find out about Your patient journey with ReMind UK.

Help to make important decisions

Information if you need help or information about making important decisions, including handling someone else's affairs and advocacy. 

Living well while awaiting a memory assessment (leaflet) 

Groups, services and resources

Groups, services and organisation for people living with dementia and their loved ones.  

You can see what the B&NES Alzheimer's Society offers people living with dementia and their families: 

 

ReMind UK guide to living well with dementia. A post diagnosis resource including a directory of dementia friendly services available both nationally and locally.

Reading Well for dementia offers recommended books chosen by people living with dementia, carers and health professionals.

Reminiscence Packs and materials to support people living with dementia can be found at your local library.

Clubs and activities

There are lots of clubs and activities across B&NES for people living with dementia and their loved ones. You can also find information about befriending services on the above link. 

ReMind UK (formerly RICE) activities and events for people affected by a memory problem or dementia, along with loved ones

Information for carers

Carers Assessment

If you care for or support someone living with dementia, you are a carer and you are entitled to a Carers assessment, even if the person you care for does not want, need or receive support services themselves.

Carers information 

If you care for a loved one, there is lots of information, help and support available for you. Have a look at our Information for carers page. 

Counselling and bereavement support

You can find details of counselling services and bereavement support on the Health and Wellbeing page

Information for family/friends

Alzheimer's Society

The Alzheimer's Society have information for people close to someone living with dementia after diagnosis and beyond. 

Dementia Friends 

Learn about dementia and how you can support someone living with dementia by becoming a Dementia Friend

Counselling and bereavement support

You can find details of counselling services and bereavement support on the Health and Wellbeing page

Information about Dementia

Alzheimer's Society

The Alzheimer's Society has lots of information about dementia for you and loved ones, including information on the different types of dementia, facts about dementia, getting support, staying independent, and much more. 

Age UK information on Dementia

Age UK have lots of information on dementia, including explaining what dementia is, and how you can make your home more dementia friendly. 

Dementia UK

Information, support and resources from specialist dementia charity Dementia UK.

'Early onset' - what does it mean? 

Dementia UK have some good information about 'early onset' dementia and the difference between this and 'late onset'.

Eating and drinking

Find out about eating and drinking difficulties in dementia.

Housing

Aids, adaptations and assistive technology

There are lots of aids and adaptations that can help people living with dementia be more comfortable and safe at home. See Dementia UK information on living aids and assistive technology for a person with dementia. Find details of services, information and advice that can help people to stay safe and independent at home.

Care at home

If you need help at home, you can find details of Care at Home services (sometimes known as Domiciliary Care). 

Care Homes

If you are thinking about a Care Home, you can find details on the Care Homes in B&NES and paying for care on the Care Home information page

Benefits

Council Tax exemption

People living with dementia could get a discount on their Council Tax. This comes under the 'severe mental impairment' exemption.

Attendance Allowance

You may be able to get Attendance Allowance.

Support for applying for benefits

Age UK B&NES can advise you on what benefits you may be entitled to and help you apply for them. 

Incontinence Information

NHS Information on urinary incontinence

HCRG Care Group Community Health Services Specialist Nursing team provide Bladder and Bowel support

Age UK Information on incontinence

Falls Information

The NHS Information on falls

HCRG Care Group Community Health Services have a Falls and balance service

Driving

You must inform DVLA and your insurance provider of your dementia diagnosis

Blue badge

People with a diagnosis of dementia may be entitled to a Blue Badge