Supporting a Loved One with Dementia

Julia's story shines a light on how our Dementia, Diagnosis and Memory Support guided her, and encouraged her father to seek support.

Julia* is the carer for her father, Richard, holding Power of Attorney*. She initially reached out to our Help Team to discuss possible social interactions options for her father who has been struggling with memory issues for some time. She was swiftly referred to our specialist Dementia, Diagnosis and Memory Support (DDMS), a non-medical service.

Beth, one of our DDMS advisors, arranged a home visit to Richard and Julia as part of the service. During the visit, Richard's daughter Julia disclosed serious concerns about her father’s wellbeing and safety as he had been struggling with his mental health. Two of them had often talked about memory issues but were terrified for it to be diagnosed as Alzheimer’s as Richard’s own mother had suffered from the disease, which had caused the family significant distress. Despite being unwell for a prolonged period, Richard had avoided seeking support until a recent distressing incident occurred which heightened the urgency.

With gentle persuasion from DDMS advisor Beth, Julia telephoned her father's GP to arrange an appointment; the first appointment offered was in a month’s time. After further conversing with Beth, Julia took Beth's advice in escalating the appointment need by expressing her concerns with her father's mental health and safety. The GP in turn then booked in blood tests and a scan prior to the appointment date so that the results would be ready for the appointment. 

During the month leading up to the GP appointment, Beth suggested that the other family members adjusted the way they communicate with Richard, so as not increase levels of frustration for him as a person living with memory issues. In further contact following this advice, Julia confirmed to Beth that by using these new techniques, her father had felt encouraged to get his blood tests arranged, and she was confident they would also encourage him to get his scan completed before the GP appointment.

Julia said that "because of Age UK Gloucestershire's dedicated support from Beth, I have finally felt able to get a handle on my father's situation and have a clear understanding of the different options of support going forward

*The individual’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.