Dementia and Alzheimers Support

Introduction

This practice is working to become dementia friendly and has committed to work with the Alzheimer’s Society to make improvements, where appropriate and possible, to their systems, culture, diagnosis and care and physical environment.

Dementia wristband

The wristbands contain a secure, programmable chip that can be written and scanned by an Android or iOS enabled phone, with key information about the wearer and their next of kin, so if they go missing their relatives and carers can be quickly notified and reunited.
For more information please visit

Alzheimer’s Society is there for anyone affected by dementia. See below for ways that you can access expert information and support:

  • Visit their website www.alzheimers.org.uk
  • Call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 122
  • Sign up to the Dementia Support Forum an online community for anyone affected by dementia forum.alzheimers.org.uk
  • Lincolnshire Dementia Family Support Service (DFSS) is available by calling 01522 692681, emailing lincolnshiredfss@alzheimers.org.uk or ask your health professional (Doctor, Nurse, Associate Practitioner, Occupational Therapist) to refer you so that you can access information and practical guidance from one of Alzheimer’s Society’s support workers either face to face, over the phone or in writing

If you are caring for someone with dementia it is important for you to have access to information and support as well. You can access the DFSS (see above). Please ensure the Practice knows you are a Carer, see the Carers section of the Practice website or ask to speak to the Carer’s Champion.

Local groups and activities (Alzheimer’s Society led where indicated)

  • Alzheimer’s Society Grantham Dementia café Alive Church, Castlegate, Grantham third Tuesday of every month 1.30-3.30pm
  • Alzheimer’s Society Sleaford Dementia café The Source, Sleaford second and fourth Wednesday of every month 10.00am-12.00 noon
  • Alzheimer’s Society Side by Side – volunteers helping people with Dementia to continue to do the things they love, please contact Alzheimer’s Society’s Lincolnshire office on 01522 692681 for more details
  • Alzheimer’s Society Carers Information and Support Programme – please contact Alzheimer’s Society’s Lincolnshire office on 01522 692681 for more details.

Useful information about dementia

If you are worried about your memory or someone else’s memory the first thing to do is make an appointment with your GP. There are many reasons why someone may be showing signs similar to dementia, Dementia is not just about losing your memory. The word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss but can also affect the way you think, speak, perceive things, feel and behave.

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. It doesn’t just affect older people. Over 40,000 people under 65 in the UK have dementia.

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain. There are many different types of dementia and everyone’s dementia is different. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. The specific symptoms that someone with dementia experiences will depend on the parts of the brain that are damaged and the disease that is causing the dementia.

People can still live well with dementia. Although there is no cure for dementia, scientists and researchers are working hard to find one. People with dementia can continue to lead an active, purposeful life and carry on doing the things that matter to them most.