Support for people with Dementia
Dementia isn’t one disease, but a set of symptoms. They tend to include memory loss, and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. It’s caused when the brain experiences damage from things like Alzheimer’s disease or strokes.
We have a range of resources that might help day-to-day.
What do you need?
No two people with dementia will need the same things. If your wants and needs have changed but you can’t communicate the way you used to, day-to-day life can be stressful. There are support groups available in Derby which help people with dementia, their carers and families.
For carers, it’s a good idea to keep things calm, maintain a sense of humour and know what support is available locally.
What support is available in Derby?
Details of the dementia support service across Derby and Derbyshire can be found on the website Joined Up Care Derbyshire - Well Pathway for Dementia. This includes the following support:
Making Space
If you live in Derby and you or a person you care for has dementia, then Making Space can support you to live an active and fulfilled life.
Making Space has a clear vision - you have the right to continue doing what you have always done, for as long as possible.
Contact them through Making Space on 01332 497640, visit their website or email derbycity.dementia-services@makingspace.co.uk.
Derby Working Age Dementia and Rare Dementia Group
The Working Age Dementia and Rare Dementia Group is run by Making Space and provides support, information and advice for those who have been diagnosed with dementia while still at working age.
The Group meets on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to noon. Contact them through Making Space. Telephone 01332 497640 or email derbycity.dementia-services@makingspace.co.uk.
If you start thinking you need extra help, more than your carer or family can provide, you can contact the Council for an assessment. Find out more about assessments.
Alzheimer’s Society National Dementia Helpline
Telephone: 0300 222 11 22
This confidential helpline is for carers, those with dementia and the friends and families of people with dementia.
The helpline is usually open:
- Monday to Wednesday 9am to 8pm
- Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm
- Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm
Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline
The Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline is for anyone with a question or concern about dementia. Nurses specialising in dementia treatment will be able to give help and advice to:
- people with dementia
- families of those with dementia
- those worried about their memory
- carers
- those working in dementia care.
Call the Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email: helpline@dementiauk.org
The Hardy Group
The Hardy Group is centred on Derby and its surrounding areas. It is a thriving group of people living with dementia as well as current and past carers who support each other. They hold light-hearted social meetings and organise trips out to help all our members stay socially, physically and mentally active. For more information, visit the Hardy Group website.
My Care Directory
The My Care Directory can provide information on a range of services to support your mental wellbeing including support for people living with Dementia.
The directory is made up of organisations (for example businesses, service providers and third-sector organisations) that offer services in Derby. (Their inclusion in the My Care Directory does not constitute a recommendation, advice or endorsement by the Council).
Delirium or dementia – Try the “Delirium in Dementia Training Tool”
Delirium has similar symptoms to dementia but is usually treatable and people with dementia are a high-risk group - in some cases 10 times more likely to experience this condition. If not treated delirium can be fatal.
Working knowledge of delirium in dementia is crucial to good care for people with dementia.
If dementia symptoms get worse rapidly, it may be delirium!
Use the link below to access the Delirium In Dementia Training Tool developed by Joined Up Care Derbyshire’s Dementia and Delirium Group. The Training Tool is for all Health, Social Care and Care staff in the statutory and independent sectors in whatever setting they work in. It may also be useful for the volunteers, friends and family who support people living with dementia.
Our aim is to provide everyone who works with people living with dementia a basic understanding of how to prevent and manage delirium in dementia. The Tool can be used in groups and staff meetings as part of a discussion of delirium, or it can be used by individuals who want to find out more about this condition.
View the Delirium in Dementia Awareness Training Tool
People who complete the course, which takes 30-40 mins, will be sent a certificate.
The Dementia and Delirium Group has also developed a 3 min ‘taster’ Delirium Awareness video, that picks out many of the key messages of the Training Tool.