Looking after someone with a dementia diagnosis
Caring for someone with a dementia diagnosis can be difficult and rewarding at the same time. As a carer it is important that you also look after your own health. This is because as time progresses both you and the person with dementia will need support to cope with the symptoms and changes in behaviour.
Carers assessment
As a carer it’s important that you know that support is available for you and if you haven’t already done so you should contact us for a carers assessment. This is simply a conversation with you that will help us understand the impact that caring is having on your life and what support you may need in your caring role.
Carer’s Emergency Card Scheme
The Carer’s Emergency Card Scheme is a way of making sure there is emergency cover in place in case something happens to you unexpectedly. It will give you peace of mind to know there is back up if something happens to you and gives you access to an emergency helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Find more information on the Emergency Card.
Getting peer support
Speaking to people who are facing similar challenges to you can help you make sense of things. Having a network of people that you can turn to for advice and support can be very helpful. Wandsworth Carers’ Centre provides information, advice and support for carers aged over 16. Alongside one to one specialist support for dementia carers, the centre facilitates support groups and training sessions where dementia carers can share experiences, access information about dementia, identify coping strategies, get peer support and make friendships.
Additionally, Wandsworth Carers’ Centre runs two monthly Dementia Cafes, the Sunflower Café in Putney and the Iris Café in Balham for carers and the person they care for, for an afternoon of refreshments, dementia-friendly activities, a carer support group and entertainment.
There are also several support groups in the borough that can offer information and advice. You will find these listed on the Alzheimer's Society website. The NHS has also produced a practical guide to help support carers.
Organisations that offer support
The following organisations offer support for carers looking after someone with a dementia diagnosis.
Dementia Talking Point
Dementia Talking Point is a free helpful online community where anyone who is affected by dementia can receive valuable support.
Dementia Carers Court
Dementia Carers Count offer free online and in person courses that are delivered by healthcare professionals. The courses can help you build your confidence and develop skills for your caring role as it changes. It’s also an opportunity to share experiences with other carers on how to make your life manageable and maintain your own health and wellbeing.
Dementia UK Admiral Nurses
Dementia UK Admiral Nurses are qualified nurses who specialise in dementia. Their extensive clinical knowledge and experience means they can support people with dementia and those supporting them through the most complex of situation. Support is available through their helpline.
Using care technology
Technology and smart devices are all around us and, when used safely and correctly, they can make a huge difference to quality of life and daily living. Many people with dementia and their carers find that introducing and using technology as early as possible helps them to get used to it and they can use it for a longer period of time. Technology can help in a variety of ways, such as helping with everyday tasks and activities, improving your safety, and monitoring your own health.
You can also have a chat with our Adult Social Care team to talk through your options as we offer a care technology service called Gloria. In addition, to our Gloria service the team may identify other technology that may suit your needs better in your caring role. Find out more about the different types of technologies available.
Some technology has been designed to help with problems related to dementia, such as reminder apps and activities. Further information on this is available from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Gwynneth Morgan Day Centre
We have commissioned Age UK Wandsworth to deliver a specialist day care service for adults with dementia, from the Gwynneth Morgan Centre. The centre is a purpose built space for leisure, recreation, and wellbeing giving carers a much needed break and respite from their caring role. To join the Gwynneth Morgan Centre, you need to be a Wandsworth borough resident, have a dementia diagnosis and had your needs assessed by our Adult Social Care team. If you or a member of your family have not been assessed and would like an assessment or need further information please contact us.