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A dementia diagnosis can come as a shock to the person with the condition and those around them. However, there are sources of help and support for everyone involved.
Following a diagnosis of dementia, you should have a care plan. This should set out what sort of care you, and people who care for you, might need. It's not the same as a needs assessment.
Your care plan should include:
Your care plan should be reviewed at least once a year.
Local services can help you develop a care plan. These services could include a memory assessment service, your local council and a GP. It can be different local services in different parts of the country.
GOV.UK has more information about what to expect after a diagnosis of dementia
If you find you need help to manage everyday tasks like washing, dressing or cooking, it's advisable to get a needs assessment from the social services department of your local council.
Ideally, this assessment should take place face to face. It's a good idea to have a relative or friend with you if you're not confident explaining your situation. They can also take notes for you.
If the needs assessment identifies you need help, such as a carer to help with personal care (washing and dressing), meals delivered to your home (meals on wheels), or a personal alarm, you'll then have a financial assessment (means test) to see how much you'll contribute to the cost of your care.
Find out more about getting a care needs assessment
If you're caring for someone with dementia, you may also be eligible for Carer's Allowance and support from your local council. Before you receive any help from your local council, you should ask for a carer's assessment.
Find out how to get a carer's assessment
If a person with dementia has care needs that relate mainly to their health, they may qualify for free NHS continuing care, which will be assessed by NHS staff.
Many people with mild-to-moderate dementia are able to stay in their own home and live well if they have adequate support. Being in familiar surroundings can help people cope better with their condition.
As the symptoms of dementia will get worse over time, many people eventually require support in a care home. Depending on their needs, this could be a residential care home or a nursing home that offers services for people with dementia.
If you've been caring for a partner or relative with dementia, this can be a difficult decision to take. Talk through your concerns with friends and family.
Remember that you will still be involved in the care and support of the person with dementia after they move to a care home. You may be able to arrange a trial period in a care home for the person you care for.
Your local council will have to carry out another needs assessment to confirm the need to go into a care home and a financial assessment to decide how much the person will have to pay towards their care home fees.
Find out about choosing the right care home on the Independent Age website
Residential and nursing homes are inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You can read their reports of care homes in England.
There are several dementia charities that offer advice and support.
One of the main dementia charities is Alzheimer's Society. Its website has information on all conditions that cause dementia, not just Alzheimer's disease.
It also has information and advice about living with dementia and finding help and support near you.
Alzheimer's Society runs the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456, which provides information and advice about dementia.
Dementia UK is a specialised dementia nursing charity that supports people with dementia and their families.
It runs a free helpline for carers, people with dementia, and health and social care professionals.
To talk to a specialist dementia nurse, call the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org.
Alzheimer's Research UK carries out dementia research but also answers questions about dementia and dementia research, including how you and your family and friends can get involved. The charity's helpline is 0300 111 5 111 and can provide help and guidance.
Age UK has advice on a range of topics, including advance care planning, benefits and choosing a care home, as well as information on local activities and services for those with dementia. It runs a free Age UK Advice Line on 0800 055 6112.
The Carers Trust provides information and advice on its website for carers, including how to get support for yourself.
Carers UK is a national charity for carers, providing information and advice from benefits to practical support.
Online forums are a good way to share your experiences of living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia, as well as reading what others are going through.
Dementia Support Forum is the Alzheimer's Society's forum. It has people with dementia sharing their information and advice, and supporting each other.
Carers can also turn to online communities on the Carers UK forum.
Reading Well offers support for people with dementia, their relatives and carers, or for those who would just like to find out more about the condition.
GPs and other healthcare professionals can recommend titles from a list of books about dementia. The books are available for anyone to borrow free from their local library.
Sign up to the NHS website Dementia Information Service, which can help guide you through the often difficult time after a dementia diagnosis.
You'll receive a weekly email for 6 weeks, each one covering a different need-to-know topic.
Find out more about the Dementia Information Service.
