Caring for someone with Dementia

Our Dementia Care Advice Service is designed to support both those who live with dementia, (even if they live alone) and their Carers. We offer emotional and practical support and we liaise with other organisations who can also provide services such as benefits help or care packages. 

We recognise that caring for someone with dementia can have its challenges, however can also be rewarding knowing that you are assisting someone you love to continue to live as independent life as possible. 

Dementia is a term that describes a set of symptoms that include problems with memory, understanding and behaviour. There are several types of Dementia, each with its own set of challenges. Our dedicated Dementia specialists help a Carer to understand the condition, giving examples of how to cope using strategies that make life easier for both. We work alongside the Alzheimer’s Society and jointly we have a lot of experience in this field. We can source the most helpful information to enable a person centred approach to caring. 

Within this support, the wellbeing of the carer is top of the list. We will: 

• Signpost to other organisations or social services 
• Complete a Carers Assessment to look at the Carers needs holistically 
• Help with future planning 
• Assist with residential care visits 

• Explore other courses, days out, respite opportunities for the Carer 

If you or someone you know, is caring for someone who has Dementia or memory problems, please contact us for further information. You can also refer online. 

Research shows the biggest reason people are putting off a diagnosis is because they think memory loss is a normal part of ageing. Other reasons include being in denial or simply being too afraid to visit their GP. 

Alzheimer's Society website at: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss 

What is Dementia? 

Dementia is a term that describes a set of symptoms that include problems with the memory, understanding and behaviour. There are several types of dementia; similarly to how there are different types of cancer. The most common types are Alzheimer’s disease which involves the connections between brain cells and Vascular Dementia which is a result of a stroke or several small strokes. There are other types of dementia and some people can have a mixture of varying types.  

Symptoms of Dementia can include:  

• experience memory problems  
• issues with reasoning  
• find it hard to plan and make decisions 
• show behavioural and emotional changes  

• have low mood and anxiety  
• become easily confused 
• experience hallucinations 
• have problems walking, speaking or swallowing 
• daily tasks can become difficult for them to do alone  

• may need additional care 

Local help & Support can include: 

• Northamptonshire Carers, Carers Assessment - Referral 

• Northamptonshire Carers, Carers Support Line 
• Northamptonshire Carers, Dementia Care Advice Service 
• Making a Memory Box 
• Groups & activities  
• Adult Social Services 

• Benefits Advice 
• Time away from your caring role 
• Sitting/Befriending services 
• Working & Caring 
• Life after caring 

• Alzheimer’s Society Services  
• Planned Breaks 
• Dementia Toolkit 
• What is Sundowning 
• Helping with behaviour/tips 

• Importance of reminiscing