Information for People with Dementia

Dementia is a progressive illness of the brain resulting in the loss of functioning such as memory, reasoning, communication skills and activities in daily living. The chances of developing dementia increase with age, but some people under the age of 65 develop this condition which in turn causes difficulties for their families and their employment. As the illness progresses people become more dependent on health and social care services.

In 2010 it is estimated there were 1,369 people with dementia in Reading, including those who are not yet diagnosed. This figure is projected to rise to 1,760 by 2025.

Specialist Information and Advice Services

More information about the condition is available from:

• Alzheimer’s Society – about dementia
• MIND – understanding dementia
• NHS Choices – dementia

Use the links below to visit their websites

Why is the diagnosis of dementia important?

Early and accurate assessment may rule out dementia. Another treatable condition may be causing the symptoms. If dementia is diagnosed, medication is available as are therapeutic groups. Early diagnosis of dementia can allow access to advice, information and support from social services, voluntary agencies and support groups. It can also allow you to plan and make arrangements for the future.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care for tell your GP about your concerns soon as possible. Your doctor can make an initial assessment and refer you to the memory clinic, if necessary.

Local Dementia Support Services

Adult Social Care Services

• READING ADULT CONTACT TEAM (ReACT) for help or information about care and support services
• OLDER PEOPLES MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES - Services available include:
  • Initial assessment of memory problems at the Memory Clinic
  • Medication for those who are eligible
  • Psychological support for patients and carers
  • Carers Education course (6 week course run 2-3 times /year) provides information about dementia, strategies to help carers relate to people with dementia, financial and legal advice re planning for the future.
  • Therapeutic groups for dementia sufferers.
  • Advice and information including signposting to other services.
  • Crisis support – available 9am – 7pm weekdays and 9am – 5pm weekends.
  • Ongoing support and monitoring

Living well with dementia

People with dementia often report that the most important thing they need after receiving a diagnosis is information e.g.

• What will happen next?
• Where can I get the information I want, when I want it?
• What support is available for me and my family?

When you are given a diagnosis of dementia at the Memory Clinic you will be offered information about the illness and about supportive services available locally. The staff will offer to pass your details to the Dementia Support Worker, Claire Garley, at the Alzheimer’s Society. Claire is available to meet with anyone who is affected by dementia, whether they have a diagnosis or are caring for a family member. Meetings can take place either in her office in London Street or in the person’s own home if they prefer. At the meeting Claire can discuss a person’s needs and how these needs can be met as well as information about local services. For more information contact Claire Garley 0118 9571183 claire.garley@alzheimers.org.uk

They also operate a befriending scheme which brings together a person with dementia and a volunteer to share activities that they both enjoy. Activities might include going to the pub, having a coffee, shopping, chatting, walking or taking part in a hobby. Contact David Hare 0118 959 6482 david.hare@alzheimers.org.uk

For people under the age of 65 who have developed dementia there is an Early Onset Dementia Care Advisor. The Early Onset Dementia Care Advisor works with those under the age of 65. Please contact Gill Stokes on 0118 949 5101/07919 396355 (e-mail: gill.stokes@wokingham.gov.uk to receive information and advice.

Day activities are available at Phoenix and Albert Road day centres run by Reading Borough Council - contact ReACT for more information

• The Alzheimer’s Society provides:
  • a programme of activities including ‘Singing for the brain’ groups, drop-in coffee morning and support groups for carers and family members.
  • monthly social activities (such as lunch, garden visits, cricket, cream teas
  • a newsletter and monthly updates
  • a befriending scheme which brings together a person with dementia and a volunteer to share activities that they both enjoy (like going to the pub, having a coffee, shopping, chatting, walking or taking part in a hobby)

Younger people with dementia (YPWD)

The YPWP website provides information about events and support for younger people with dementia (people of working age) within Wokingham, Reading and West Berkshire.

The YPWP Forum is a discussion/action group comprising health and social care professionals, charities, people with dementia and carers. It discusses anything and everything to do with caring for younger people with dementia in Berkshire – from establishing needs and agreeing the best ways of meeting them, to discussing and working towards improving existing services and developing new ones.

Activities

• For people under the age of 65 Crossroads run day activities at Hazelwood, Prospect Park Hospital every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Getting equipped to tackle forgetfulness Guide

Download this guide for family and friends of people experiencing memory problems and confusion and people in the early stages of dementia.

It will help you to:

• Think about things that are getting harder to do
• Make decisions together about what equipment might help
• Try to think about what might happen in the future
   

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