Dementia advice and support
If you think you or someone you care about may be experiencing symptoms of dementia, there is plenty of support available.
The first thing to do is speak to your GP who will be able to listen to your concerns and provide advice on the next steps you need to take. If your symptoms are because of dementia, getting an early diagnosis has many benefits.
You can also get help and advice from dementia charities and organisations, including:
How do I find out about arranging dementia care?
Finding your way through the dementia care system can sometimes feel difficult and confusing. We hope the following information will help you to navigate the system and understand what to do, when.
How do I arrange an assessment?
If you or someone you care about has received a diagnosis of dementia, we advise that you ask your local Social Services department for a formal assessment of needs, for both the person living with dementia and their caregiver. You can get in touch with Social Services by phoning your local council and asking for ‘Adult Social Services’. They will talk you through the options available, which may include:
● Arranging support at home
● Getting in touch with a local support group
● Referral to a care home
Importantly, they will establish if you are eligible for care and support under the terms of the Care Act. This might also lead to a financial assessment to determine if you are eligible for any financial support toward the cost of care.
My loved one is eligible for a dementia care home placement. What happens next?
Once you know whether you are eligible and understand the costs you may need to contribute, your local Social Services team might give you information and advice about the different care homes in your area. If you are able, you can visit the different dementia care homes before you decide, or Social Services may make recommendations and help facilitate access.
How can I arrange care for a loved one in hospital?
If you or a loved one are in hospital after a fall, broken bone, or an illness, and are not yet ready to go home, the hospital discharge team might ask you to move to an appropriate care setting in your local area. This will allow you to recuperate in a suitable environment, where you will have your own room, rather than a busy hospital ward.
Once you have moved into the care home, which will not cost you anything, you will be assessed by the staff and a discussion will take place on whether it is best for you to return home as normal, return home with a support package, or if you might benefit from care home care longer term. At this point the formal assessment of needs would take place.
Paying for care
Most people contribute to the cost of their care, dependent on their income and savings, which varies depending on whether you live in England, Scotland and Wales.
For further information about paying for care, please visit the useful links below:
How can HC-One help?
Our family of kind and caring homes across England, Scotland and Wales are here to support you with high quality residential, dementia or nursing care.
No matter what stage you are at in your journey, our experienced care advisors are here to help and will listen to what your needs are and, if required, can direct you to one of HC-One’s care homes in your area for an assessment
Our local care home teams are skilled and experienced in assessing a person’s needs, and can provide advice and guidance on whether our local care homes in your area would be appropriate to meet the needs of the person living with dementia.
For advice and support on finding the right dementia care home for you, please speak to our professional care advisors on 0333 999 8699
Alternatively, use our helpful search tool to find a care home near you