Dementia FAQs

•   If the change is sudden please make an appointment with their GP. The appointment should be prioritised

•   A telephone appointment to provide the GP with more information is a good starting point, but if they require one, please ask for a face to face appointment

•   If it’s out of hours or the weekend, the advice is then go to NHS 111
  If I cannot get through to my GP – what should I do? Call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk

Sudden Change

•   If the change is sudden please make an appointment with their GP. The appointment

  should be prioritised

•   A telephone appointment to provide the GP with more information is a good starting

  point, but if they require one, please ask for a face to face appointment

•   If it’s out of hours or the weekend, the advice is then go to NHS 111

  If I cannot get through to my GP – what should I do? Call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk

  Progressive Change

•   Symptoms of dementia do unfortunately become worse over time

•   Please speak to your Dementia Care Advisor who will be able to take a look at what your

  parent and advise the changes in their needs

•   If you do not wish to use the Dementia Care Advisor or there is an evident need for a

  change in personal care, you can refer them (or they can refer themselves) into the Adult Social Care team at your Local Authority. They can conduct a New Care Assessment Plan

•   Please check the letter you received from the Memory Clinic, this should outline their expected waiting time. If you have not received a letter please do call the memory clinic for an update

•   If the Memory Clinic haven’t received your referral, please follow up with a calling to your GP

•   Please telephone the Carers UK support line on 0808 808 7777 or navigate to www.carerstrust.org.uk for more information

•   You can refer yourself to the Social Care Team at your Local Authority for a carers assessment (you are entitled to this under the Care Act) and that may result in additional support

•   If there is a need for a change to the personal care for your husband then please refer him to the same Social Care Team at the Local Authority for a New Care Assessment

•   Please make sure the level of urgency is made clear to the Local Authority

•   Please continue to work with the Department of Work and Pensions as your claim will be backdated to when you first applied

•   You can also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for more general information, Age UK Berkshire Information and Advice Service. Use the Turn2Us benefit assessment tool online https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

•   Please call The Alzheimer’s Society national helpline on 0333 150 3456. They will be able to advise you further

•   Fact sheets are available from both Age UK Berkshire and The Alzheimer’s Society if you would like more information

•   Occupational Therapy & Speech and Language Therapy – Please go to your GP who will know who to refer too for help. They will also be able to provide a timeframe

•   Cognitive Stimulation Therapy – Please go back to the Memory Clinic for information on how to book

What services or groups are still running in my area?

•   Please check your Local Council Directories. Please speak with the organisation listed as running the activity and check whether it is still running due to the latest COVID advice.

•   Alternatively, you could use the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Directory: www.alzheimers.org.uk/find-support-near-you