Here is some information that might be useful after a diagnosis of dementia.
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 provide memory clinics and diagnosis, plus information, support and activities for you and your carer. Find out about Your patient journey with ReMind.
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:
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 (formerly RICE) activities open to people awaiting a memory assessment
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'.
Reminiscence Packs
Reminiscence Packs and materials to support people living with dementia can be found at your local library.
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 more comfortable and safe 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