While a diagnosis of dementia can feel earth-shattering for everyone involved, it’s worth knowing that there are plenty of ways in which you can get support for you and your loved ones. We’ve outlined some of the services in the UK which we hope you’ll find useful.
Care plans
If you or someone close to you has a diagnosis of dementia, one of the first things the GP will do is write up a care plan. This plan will contain information on the treatment and other measures to be taken – whether that’s a specific medication or recommendations for care. This plan is a good starting point for immediate next steps, but there are also dementia support services available that can help the person living with dementia and the people around them.
Online forums
If you’re a carer, whether formally or informally, there are a number of forums and pages for information and support from people in similar situations, like
Face-to-face support
While online forums can be great sources of information and connection for people who might feel isolated, there are also plenty of options for in-person interactions and meetings. The Alzheimer’s Society run a number of different sessions across the country – from dementia choirs (see our article on music therapy and dementia) to peer support groups.
There’s a real variety of dementia support services out there – from books on prescription to dementia cafés. Look around to find what’s right for you, and remember you’re not alone.
