Support
Managing at Home
Many people in the early stages of dementia are able to live well independently. Over time, symptoms including memory loss, confusion and difficulty carrying out everyday tasks can mean a person requires additional support to stay well at home. The NHS dementia guide explains that ‘as dementia progress, a person may forget where they are, where things are and how they work’.
Many people in the early stages of dementia are able to live well independently.
Over time, symptoms including memory loss, confusion and difficulty carrying out everyday tasks can mean a person requires additional support to stay well at home. The NHS dementia guide explains that ‘as dementia progress, a person may forget where they are, where things are and how they work’.
It is not advisable to make major changes to a familiar home environment overnight, there are some simple things you can consider doing that may help someone with dementia to continue living independently. The Alzheimer’s Society has a useful guide to help people adapt their homes on their website.
Many of the practical tips in the Alzheimer’s Society guide have come from the personal experiences of people with dementia as well as family members and care staff, and can be carried out quickly and easily. The guide also provides suggestions for adaptations that might help as dementia progresses, which may require help from other people or extra items or equipment.
West Berkshire council have also provided some helpful information on how to care for a loved one living with dementia at home.
Support for carers
Looking after someone living with dementia can be extremely rewarding, but can also involve a considerable amount of work and attention in order to provide the best possible care and support. It is therefore very important to try and take some time for yourself and take part in activities that you enjoy. Staying well and getting enough support of your own will help you take care of your loved one to the very best of your ability.
Dementia UK Carer’s Assessment Guidance
The following organisations can provide you with advice and support:
- The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect Support Line
- The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect Support Line
Local activities and groups
For Information on dementia friendly events, we produce a monthly calendar. Please email dfwberkshire@AgeUKBerkshire.org.uk.
For a list of groups and activities running across West Berkshire please follow the link below to the West Berkshire Directory and search using ‘dementia’.
Members Organisations
Social Prescribers
Support is now available from Social Prescribers at your GP surgery in West Berkshire
Social Prescribers are employed by all the Primary Care Networks (groups of GP Surgeries) in West Berkshire to support residents across the area. Social prescribing is a way of working with people in a holistic way to address their non-medical needs and enable them to take greater control of their health and well-being. It’s about recognising that non-clinical issues can affect people’s physical health. By supporting people to improve their own health and well-being it can reduce the NHS demand and offer support to other local services.
How Social Prescribers Can Help You
Would you like help to:
Improve your general health and wellbeing
Reduce feelings of isolation
Discover local self-help groups, clubs and befriending agencies
Carer support
Find bereavement support
Access social groups
Explore support for housing, employment, benefits, debt & legal advice
Become more active
Get involved in your local community
To ask for help or for more information please contact the social prescriber in your area (you just need to be a registered patient at one of the surgeries to access their help):
West Reading Villages PCN:
West Berkshire Rural PCN:
A34 PCN:
Kennet PCN:
Anthony Roots – anthony.roots@nhs.net
Lucy Hill – lucy.hill17@nhs.net
Kim Westall kim.westall@nhs.net
Young Onset Dementia Care Advisor Service
This is a free Berkshire wide service designed to meet the support needs of those diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia (those under the age of 70 at diagnosis).
Families are signposted to the resources they require, connections are created, advice is given around further opportunities and confidential information provided to all those affected by diagnosis.
For further information look at:
https://directory.wokingham.gov.uk/kb5/wokingham/directory/service.page?id=3u8wcgV7T4s
or contact Hazel Power on:
Telephone: 07917 555 477
Email: hazel.power@wokingham.gov.uk
Pangbourne Forum
The Pangbourne forum run a ‘Thursday Club’ – Meeting every third Thursday of the month at The George Hotel. The club is open to all older residents , not just those with dementia providing friendship and support for the community. Lunch and afternoon teas are included. 1:00-3:00 for lunch once every quarter & afternoon tea from 2:00-4:00, both include entertainment. All of the volunteers are Dementia Friends. The club is financially and actively supported by The George, Greens The Butchers, and local resident Kiran Sharma. We also have the support of The Carebus from Englefield for those who are less mobile.
We don’t dwell on the dis – ease , we value peoples moments, their pearls of wisdom , their laughter and their humour. It doesn’t matter that they don’t know you , it matters that they feel loved and cherished and part of the bigger picture.
Please contact Di at Admin@ThursdayClubPangbourne.co.uk for more information.