There are around 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that's one every three minutes. 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia (NHS UK 2017)

In the UK, 62% of people with dementia are female and 38% are male. This is likely to be a consequence of the fact that women live longer than men and age is the biggest known risk factor for the condition. For more information on actons to take in mid-life to help prevent dementia look HERE

In Dorset the figure is around 13,400 people of all ages living with dementia (Dorset CCG, 2019)

There are different types of dementia:

Alzheimer’s Dementia is the commonest type, seen in 60-80% of all cases

Vascular Dementia is seen in around 20% of all cases

(Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia together are often referred to as mixed dementia and are more common than previously thought)

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) accounts for up to 15%

Fronto Temporal Lobe Dementia (FTD) accounts for around 5% of all dementia

Dementia in people with Down's Syndrome - Alzheimer's dementia has a high prevalence in people with this chromosomal abnormality and occurs in around 30% of people with Down's Syndrome during their 50s and around 50% in their 60s Alzheimer's Society - Dementia in People with Down's Syndrome

Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) - an international team of researchers has proposed a name for a type of brain disease that causes dementia symptoms and has recently been in the news: Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy, or LATE.

The name brings together previously identified conditions linked to a protein that damages regions of the brain. The damage causes memory and thinking problems, similar to those seen in Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is thought to be caused by an accumulation of 2 types of protein, tau and amyloid beta, in the brain.

LATE is thought to be caused by another protein, TDP-43, which is usually present in the centre of nerve cells, but may change form and spread into the body of nerve cells as people get older.

It's thought to affect around 20% of adults over 80. Some people may have both types of disease.

At present LATE can only be diagnosed by examining brain tissues after death. Researchers say it may explain why some recent trials of treatments for Alzheimer's disease have been unsuccessful.

They say treatments may have effectively treated the proteins that cause damage in Alzheimer's disease, but LATE may have continued, masking any improvements to Alzheimer's symptoms.

They're calling for research to find markers that allow LATE to be diagnosed before death so clinical studies on its causes and potential treatments can begin.

But understanding of this condition is still in the early stages and as experts say, it's not something that could be currently diagnosed in the clinic.

More information about the types of dementia, treatment, support and diagnosis in the UK can be accessed at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about/

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Rarer Dementias

There are other types of dementia that are much rarer, such as Posterior Cortical Atrophy, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Huntington's and information and help resources can be found here: Rarer Types of Dementia

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NICE Information - Dementia

NICE recommendations: Delaying or preventing dementia in mid-life

Alzheimer's Society Report 2014

Alzheimer's Society Video discussing treatments

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Treatments that don't involve medicines

Medicines for dementia symptoms are important, but are only one part of the care for a person with dementia. Other treatments, activities and support – for the carer, too – are just as important in helping people to live well with dementia.

Cognitive stimulation therapy

Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) involves taking part in group activities and exercises designed to improve:

• memory
• problem-solving skills
• language ability

Evidence suggests that CST benefits people with mild to moderate dementia.

Cognitive rehabilitation

This technique involves working with a trained professional, such as an occupational therapist, and a relative or friend to achieve a personal goal, such as learning to use a mobile phone or other everyday tasks.

Cognitive rehabilitation works by getting you to use the parts of your brain that are working to help the parts that are not. In the early stages of dementia, it can help you cope better with the condition.

Reminiscence and life story work

Reminiscence work involves talking about things and events from your past. It usually involves using props such as photos, favourite possessions or music.

Life story work involves a compilation of photos, notes and keepsakes from your childhood to the present day. It can be either a physical book or a digital version.

These approaches are sometimes combined. Evidence shows that they can improve mood and wellbeing. They also help you and those around you to focus on your skills and achievements rather than on your dementia.

You'll find more details about these treatments in the Alzheimer's Society's dementia guide.

May 2019 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/treatment/

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Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

The term BPSD covers a variety of behaviours and psychological symptoms, such as:

• Aggression
• Agitation or restlessness; screaming
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Psychosis, delusions, hallucinations
• Repetitive vocalisation, cursing and swearing
• Sleep disturbance
• Shadowing (following the carer closely)
• Sundowning (behaviour worsens in late afternoon/evening)
• Wandering

BPSD can also be referred to as non-cognitive symptoms of dementia. Each symptom needs to be treated specifically. More than one symptom can occur at the same time and the clinician needs to decide which symptoms need to be tackled first and by what approach. BPSD are the result of a complex interplay between the illness, the environment, physical health, medication and interactions with others. Although these symptoms can often remit spontaneously, they can also be persistent and severe, causing considerable distress to patients and carers and significantly impairing quality of life (Royal College of Psychiatrists) BPSD should be seen as a sign of distress or an attempt to communicate an unmet need. Most behavioural and psychological symptoms improve within four weeks of making simple changes, without the need for medication. (Alzheimer’s society, 2017)

Non-pharmacological

Check for and address clinical or environmental causes of BPSD before starting any intervention, including assessing the person with dementia for:

• Pain, consider trial of regular paracetamol
• Signs of infection and treat if symptomatic
• Constipation
• Signs of underlying depression or anxiety
• Are they comfortable? (e.g. warm/cold, hungry or thirsty)
• Does they require hearing aid or glasses?
• Have they had a ‘This is me’ form filled out? If so, is there anything on there which could help identify their source of distress This Is Me form
• As initial and ongoing management, offer psychosocial and environmental interventions to reduce distress in people living with dementia (NICE, 2011)

Strategies such as distraction, backing away, and leaving the room may be helpful for symptoms of aggression. (Kales et al, 2015)

Non-pharmacological care giver interventions include:

• Enhancing communication with the person with dementia
• Reducing the complexity of the physical environment
• Simplifying tasks for the person with dementia
• Tailored activities for the individual e.g. music and physical activity
• Aromatherapy
• Pet therapy
• Doll therapy
• Massage
• Music therapy
• Reminiscence therapy
• Sensory activities

Pharmacological

The following points should be considered before prescribing for BPSD:

• Target the symptoms requiring treatment.
• Carry out a risk-benefit analysis when choosing medication for an individual patient including any co-morbidities and other risk factors (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, smokers, frailty, renal/hepatic impairment, risk of VTE and falls)
• Make evidence based decisions
• Discuss treatment options and explain risks to patient and family/carers, ensure this is documented
• Titrate medication from a low starting dose and maintain the lowest possible dose for the shortest period necessary.
• Review appropriateness of treatment regularly.
• Monitor for adverse effects (Taylor et al, 2015)

References

Alzheimer’s Society. Drugs for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Factsheet 408LP. 2017 Alzheimer's Factsheet on Medicines Used for BPSD

Kales et al, Assessment and management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. BMJ 2015;350:h369.

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Dementia. Supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care. Clinical Guideline 42, 2011. Updated March 2011. http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/10998/30318/...

Royal College of Psychiatrists Faculty for the Psychiatry of Old Age. Atypical antipsychotics and behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia. Prescribing update for older age psychiatrists. http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/pdf/BPSD.pdf

Taylor et al. The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry, 12th Edition. Wiley 2015

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Non-pharmacological Interventions to Reduce Distressing Behaviours in People with Dementia - leaflet from ICSD

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2018 Delirium Poster - Key facts regarding delirium

Trust Acute Confusional State Leaflet - Information

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Ever wondered what it is like to have dementia and try and navigate the hundreds of little things a day consists of? Try this new Alzheimer's Research - Virtual Reality app 'A Walk Through Dementia'

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Francis Report Executive Summary

Here you will find information related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with links to helpful resources and any information that might be useful.

As a Trust we are doing everything we can to keep our essential services running and provide the highest standard of care during this difficult time. We are working closely with national government, local organisations and the CCG to reorganise the way some services operate to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Online information resources

WHO - COVID-19 pandemic information

UK Government's COVID-19 information pages

NHS information pages about COVID-19

British Geriatric Society - Dementia & Cognitive Impairment Good Practice Guide

BGS - COVID-19: End of life care and dementia

Dementia UK COVID-19 information

The Lancet - Dementia Care during COVID-19

Alzheimer's UK COVID-19 information

Join Dementia Research for COVID-19

The Lancet medical journal COVID Resource Centre

COVID-19 & Intellectual disabilities

Carer's help

Leonardo Trust - carer's help leaflet during COVID-19 pandemic

Dementia Carer's resources

Registering someone as extremely vulnerable

General advice for carers leaflet during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Please, help us help you, stay home, wash your hands and follow the NHS guidance on how to protect yourselves as best you can. Many of our services are working as normally as possible but some services have been transformed or have changed their ways of contacting and reduced the face-to-face contact they are having with people, so please bear with us as we try and find safe ways of working to provide necessary services at the point of need.

Dorset CCG have offered the following list of resources available to residential care and nursing homes in Dorset during the pandemic.

• Supporting the emotional wellbeing of care home staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. https://mcusercontent.com/7b59991d87399e725deb0b26...
• Range of advice on the website for Social Care institute for excellence https://www.scie.org.uk/
• Covid-19 rapid guideline: managing symptoms (including at the end of life) in the community NICE [NG163] 30 April 2020 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng163
• Guideline for Admission and Care of Patients during COVID-19 Incident in a Care Home (Dept. of Health and Social Care, CQC, PHE, and NHS E) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...
• COVID-19: Managing the COVID-19 pandemic in care homes (British Geriatrics Society) https://www.bgs.org.uk/resources/covid-19-managing...
• Training resource and workbook (support for care homes) developed as part of the work of the Integrated Care Home Group https://reactto.co.uk/resources/react-to-dementia/
• Activities for Older Adults During COVID19 - A guide to online resources for those providing care for people with dementia (Health innovation Network)
• Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) standard operating procedure: Community health services. Expected approach of community health services to the management of patients, both adults and children, in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/publication...
• COVID-19: Our Action Plan for Adult Social Care (DHSC) -Covers controlling spread of infection., workforce support, supporting independence, end of life support https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...
• A Musical Guide for people with dementia and their carers during Covid-19 https://mcusercontent.com/7b59991d87399e725deb0b26...
• COVID-19: Dementia and cognitive impairment (British Geriatrics Society)
• Coronavirus: Managing delirium in confirmed and suspected cases (British Geriatrics Society)
• Information on supporting older people and those with dementia during Covid-19 (British Psychological Society and Division of Clinical Psychology (Faculty of the Psychology of Older People))
• Dementia UK advice for people with dementia and their families, regarding the coronavirus (Dementia UK)
• Questions and Answers (to ensure that families with dementia feel supported) (Dementia UK)
• Dementia UK Leaflets & information (including, Caring from a distance, Dealing with Restlessness, Looking after yourself, Calming Techniques) (Dementia UK)
• Be Active during COVID-19 (World Health organisation)
• Distancing with Dementia (Dementia Change Action Network (DCAN) / Alzheimer's Society)
• Coronavirus: Supporting a person with dementia at home (Alzheimer's Society)
• Coronavirus: Activity ideas for people living with dementia (Alzheimer's Society)
• Coronavirus: Support for a person with dementia living alone (Alzheimer's Society)
• Coronavirus: Supporting a person with dementia from a distance (Alzheimer's Society)
• Carer’s UK Coronavirus Guidance (Carer's UK)
• COVID-19: BGS statement on research for older people during the COVID-19 pandemic (British Geriatrics Society)
• Clinical guide for the management of palliative care in hospital during the coronavirus pandemic (NHSE/I)
• GSF signposting and guidance on the Coronavirus Epidemic (The Gold Standards Framework)

• Memory Assessment Services in partnership with Help & Care and Age UK
• Help & Care Dementia Coordinator Service
• Age UK Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
• In-Reach to care homes (temporarily suspended service)
• Older Persons Community Mental Health Teams
• Learning Disability Community Teams
• Haymoor Day Hospital (East)
• Melcombe Day Hospital (West) - temporarily closed
• Intensive Community Support for Dementia
• In-Patient Wards at Alderney Hospital - Herm and St Brelades
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Dietitians
• Admiral Nurse for Purbeck
• Carer's Groups

Dorset HealthCare (DHC), NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, Help & Care and Age UK are delighted to announce the launch of the new dementia services pathway from 1 April 2021.

Following the recent Dorset Dementia Services Review, a number of new services are being provided, and existing serv​ices now offer increased support for people with dementia as well as their families and carers. 

The Single Point of Access phone number for the whole of MAS is 0300 303 5342 

The diagnostic and treatment pathway for dementia includes:

• Memory Assessment Service (DHC) – for the assessment of memory problems and diagnosis of dementia wityh some medical treatment available for some people. This includes dedicated neuropsychology for more complex diagnoses. In addition, this service offers emotional wellbeing courses for carers. The process is complex and taikes several months and may well include having some form of brain scan. A health professional needs to refer to the team in the first instance.
• Dementia Co-ordinators (Help & Care) – provided by our partners in care, Help & Care, a post-diagnostic support service for people with a diagnosis of dementia, and their families and carers. This will include a dedicated Early Onset (younger) Dementia provision, as well as regular Dementia Roadshows offering information on dementia to local people and agencies. Help and Care's Self Management Team also operate a pre-diagnosis support service to people waiting to be seen in the diagnostic process who want help and advice and other supports to manage their daily lives. Find out more about them and how to refer here
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy also known as CST (Age UK) provided through our partners in care through Age UK – an evidence-based therapy for people with a diagnosis of any type of dementia. Find out more about it here for West Dorset or here for East Dorset 

All new referrals for an assessment and diagnosis of memory problems (possible dementia) for people aged over 18 will now be made directly to the memory assessment service (MAS).

There will be a single point of access (SPoA) for referrals to MAS. The MAS SPoA number is 0300 303 5342.

The MAS team comprises registered nurses, an occupational therapist, neuropsychologists, non-medical prescribers/advanced nurse practitioners and psychiatrists. All staff will offer a range of possible options to complete assessments and diagnostic work and these will be discussed with you before appointments. MAS works Monday to Friday 9-5, except public holidays. Our clinics are in various places and options will always be discussed at the point you are contacted to make an appointment that suits you.

The options are:

     - A video consultation via Attend Anywhere, where the person can be supported by a family member or carer without leaving the comfort of their home.

     - A face-to-face clinic appointment with their carer/relative present

     - A home visit by a MAS professional if there is a reason why they cannot travel to clinic

MAS provides formal memory assessments and can be contacted for specific advice and guidance on referrals, but does expect that physical checks are completed before any referral to rule out any reversible causes of memory problems. Most people will be referred for a brain scan at the point of referral so they should not be surprised to get this appointment through the post before they are seen by us.

The assessing professional will undertake a thorough assessment of cognition and effects on functioning. If necessary they will be referred for neuropsychological assessment for a more in-depth assessment by the MAS clinical psychology team. After the initial assessment the person and their GP will receive a letter with the outcome and care plan. 

When all tests have been completed and results analysed a diagnostic appointment will be booked. As above, this could be by video consultation, clinic appointment, via telephone speakerphone consultation or if absolutely necessary, by home visit. In almost all cases the person will need to be accompanied by a relative/carer or friend for this appointment.

If the individual is prescribed medication following a dementia diagnosis the Lead Health Care Professional (HCP) will monitor this with them in regular phone calls or clinic appointments and feedback to the GP after three months so they can take over the prescribing.

There is a 12 month review of your medication and care and this will either be done by MAS, the Dementia Coordinator service or the GP.

New memory assessment service information leaflet 

Please note to refer to MAS you must be:

- A Registered Professional

- Have discussed the referral with the person's GP and the person themselves (or their relative/carer on their behalf if necessary)

- Ruled out any other mental or physical health cause for the cognition change including alcohol use over 14 units per week

- Able to provide comprehensive blood test results (FBC, B12, Folate, TFT’s, U&E, Ca2+, LFT’s, glucose or HbA1) dated within the last six months

CARER INFORMATION - MAS

MAS runs a Dementia Workshop for carers of people with dementia - see here for information Dementia Workshop by MAS

The Memory Support and Advisory Service (MSAS) is no longer operating the Gateway service

Please note that this team is currently suspended and staff have been redeployed to essential services. Any referrals should be discussed with GP and/or CMHT in the first instance.

What do they do?

The team is an county-wide service to support people with organic and/or functional mental illness in care homes, day centres and community hospitals in Dorset. The team comprises specialist registered nurses supported by a team administrator and team manager. They also offer student nursing placements for Bournemouth University RMNs in training.

The service provides an alternative to hospital admission through clinical nursing support and assessment of clients who are not being treated within secondary mental health services. They aim to see residents within two working days of a referral. A nurse will complete the assessment of any resident’s mental health needs, behaviour that challenges and help with care planning for more effective treatment in the home and offer feedback and assistance with treatment planning and approach to manage the care of the person.

A key part of their role is to provide training and education to Nursing/Residential homes as well as GP surgeries, day centres, care agencies and community hospitals.

Hands on Care:

If the assessment requires practical support with personal care, to role model and help develop appropriate safe care-plans the team are able to facilitate this. They also offer more general support and advice around areas such as delirium, medication reviews, care planning, person-centred care, legal aspects of care, getting a person assessed for a formal diagnosis of dementia, signposting to other services and referral direct to secondary mental health services if needed.

Core Hours:

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; however, they can work flexibly earlier or later in the day to especially around essential care and training.

Referral Criteria

Residents do not have to have a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia or other mental illness/disorder to be referred to In-Reach. They also do not have to have had previous contact with mental health services.

Checklist, before a referral is made:

1. Please check to make sure the person is not open to any Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). If the person is open to the CMHT, In-Reach will liaise with the CMHT to see if In-Reach can work jointly with the CMHT.

2. Please rule out delirium.To think of a way to rule out delirium think ‘PInCH ME’. Does the person have: any issues with any of the following that might be causing the change in their behaviour?

Pain

Infection

Constipation

Hydration

Medication

Environment

Training

FREE training sessions for residential homes/community hospitals and their staff which can be offered 1:1, in small or larger groups if required.

Training topics include:

• Dementia Awareness
• Person-Centred Care
• Behaviours that Challenge
• Meaningful Activities
• Acute Confusional State (Delirium)
• Record Keeping
• Communication
• Mental Capacity Act
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
• Medication in the Older Adult
• Falls Management and Prevention
• Intimacy in Relationships

Contact Details:

In-Reach Team

Alderney Community Hospital

Ringwood Road

Parkstone

Poole

Email: dhc.inreach.referrals@nhs.net

Help and Care - Dementia Coordinator service - this is provided across the county of Dorset to people who have a diagnosis of any dementia and their carers/families. Help and Care work in a contracted partnership with MAS to do this and share information to enable services to work as seamlessly as possible. Please find their information pages and contact details HERE

Help and Care also provide services to those who may be waiting for a dementia assessment or in the process of having an assessment and this is through the Dorset Self Management Service - this does not need a GP or other professional to refer, people can call them direct and ask to speak to someone who will help them find what they need for support. If at some point a dementia diagnosis is made, the Self-Management Service will hand over to the Dementia Coordinators.

Help and Care also provide the Dementia Roadshows - "Come and join our FREE drop-in events providing information on services available locally with representatives on hand from Help & Care, Dorset HealthCare’s Memory Assessment Service, NHS Dorset (previously NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group) and AgeUK.

No need to book to attend - Just pop by, enjoy a tea or coffee and speak to local professionals about what services and support is available."

Find out more about the roadshow events by emailing a.sedmanhobson@helpandcare.org.uk or stacey.hill@helpandcare.org.uk

Age UK work in partnership with MAS and closely with Help and Care to provide Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for people who have received a diagnosis of dementia, live in Dorset and want to attend - this is a free service across the county.

For more information about CST groups in Bournemouth, Poole and east Dorset go HERE

For more information about CST groups in north, south and west Dorset go HERE

Community Mental health Teams for Older People (CMHT-OP) help people who have a mental health problem and live in their own home or a care home. The service provided by CMHT-OPs will focus on patients with a significant mental disorder who are aged 65 years and over or those under 65 years who have complex memory problems.

Each team is responsible for a designated geographical area and accepts referrals from specified GP practices in their area.

The teams comprise of staff from various professional groups. They have the knowledge and skills to assess and treat people with serious mental health problems. Support is also provided for their family and / or carers.

Who is the service for?

The team provides care for people who have one of the following types of illness:

- dementia or memory loss

- clinical depression

- extreme stress or anxiety

- obsessions or phobias (fearful states)

- mental health problems which seriously affect daily living such as psychosis or bi-polar disorders

For those individuals whose level of mental health need does not fall within the scope of the eligibility criteria the specialist mental health service may provide advice and/or signposting for alternative community services either directly to the individual or to the referrer.

We will always look for flexibility and consequent negation and undertake to give the opportunity to referrers to discuss rejected referrals or to discuss individual cases prior to a referral being made.

Who are the team?

The team may include:

Community Mental Health Nurses

Occupational Therapists (OTs)

OT Assistants

Consultant Psychiatrist and Staff Grade Psychiatrist

Support Time Recovery workers

Clerical Support Staff

The team work closely with social workers, community care officers and other relevant agencies.

Getting in touch

Patients can contact the team themselves or they can be referred by a professional such as their GP, social worker, or district nurse. Relatives or carers may also contact the service directly

The patient’s GP will always be contacted about their referral to this service.

What happens next?

When the team receives a referral, the person is offered an appointment for an assessment. This normally takes place in the patient’s home or as an outpatient appointment, but an alternative venue can be arranged if appropriate.

The assessment will be wide ranging, covering the patient’s mental and physical health and also their social situation, including the needs of their family / carer where applicable. From this, a joint decision will be made identifying personal needs and a treatment plan will be agreed.

What services do the team offer?

The service is based on individually assessed needs. This could include:

• information, resources and advice to support patients at home and their carers / family
• assessment of independence and safety
• a range of individual and group therapies to address the patient’s needs
• activities to promote social and practical skills for daily living
• advice about medication
• advice on support services for patients and carers including home support, day care, sitting service.
• Some CMHT-OPs have access to a day hospital.
• referral to other agencies
• support to residential / nursing homes
• carer information and carer support groups.
• Support with benefit applications and Continuing Healthcare applications.

Referral Management

Each CMHT-OP will have practitioners available between 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday to respond to emergencies.

On receipt all referrals will be recorded on the IESUR by administration staff on the day of arrival prior to being forwarded to duty worker for review.

The duty worker will review each referral and complete the Referral screen form in the IESUR. Referrals will be categorised as; Emergency, Urgent, Non-urgent or pending.

Emergency Referrals To be seen on the day the referral was accepted for treatment. Clinical priorities are defined below

Emergency referrals are appropriate for acutely suicidal or vulnerable people and those whose mental health problems may place others at risk.

The referral request will be made by telephone or face to face with a fax follow up adding additional information as necessary.

If a doctor is referring and wishes to speak with a consultant this can always be done upon request.

Urgent referrals to be seen within 5 working days.

Urgent referrals are appropriate for people with significant and distressing mental health problems who have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming others but whose clinical presentation is not such that requires an immediate same day assessment.

The referral can be made by telephone, letter or face to face.

If a doctor is referring and wishes to speak with a consultant this can always be done upon request.

Non urgent or routine referrals to be seen within 28 days.

Referrals will be made by letter, telephone call or face to face.

Crisis (Mental Health Support) and Home Treatment Teams - county-wide services

The Crisis Home Treatment Teams are secondary mental health services that offer assessment for short term intensive treatment to service users open to Dorset Healthcare Mental Health Services. The team work with service users suffering from acute mental illness or disorder who require intensive home treatment as an alternative to hospital admission.

Access to this service is through the relevant Community Mental Health Team or in an emergency out of hours via the Out of Hours GP.

Dementia support:

Out of Hours, they will offer telephone support and advice to people with acute issues related to dementia.

Home Treatment Teams and Connection - county-wide services

The Home Treatment Teams are secondary mental health services that offer assessment for short term intensive treatment to service users open to Dorset Healthcare Mental Health Services. The team work with service users suffering from acute mental illness or disorder who require intensive home treatment as an alternative to hospital admission.

Access to this service is through the relevant Community Mental Health Team.

Connection offers a 24 hour telephone support service to all residents of Dorset who require support or advice regarding their mental health. People do not need to be known to Mental Health services and people can also phone for support and advice about a friend or family member experiencing poor mental health. The service has its own dedicated number, 0800 652 0190 and can also be accessed via NHS 111.

Dementia support:

Out of Hours, Connection will offer telephone support and advice to people with acute issues related to dementia.

The Learning Disability services work in partnership with local councils to provide health and social care support for people in Dorset with learning disabilities.

Our Community Learning Disability Teams offer practical help with physical and mental health problems, relationships, behaviours and communication, as well as advice on issues such as finance, employment and housing.

The incidence of dementia is high in people with Down's Syndrome and it is not uncommon for signs and symptoms of dementia to appear in the person's 40s or 50s (up to 30%). The Trust's Learning Disability services provide care across all age ranges and are working towards developing more specialism in this area.

The Learning Disability teams employ specialist nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and speech and language therapists. They work closely with families, carers and GPs to ensure the care and support provided is tailored to the needs of the individual.

Information about DHUFT's LD services - the Trust has services located all over Dorset and on this page you can find some easy to read leaflets about Learning Disabilities.

Haymoor Day Hospital is part of Alderney Community Hospital Services and is located on the main Ringwood Road, between Canford Way and Herbert Avenue. There is patient car parking on site, with no parking charges.

The hospital is located on the left hand side of the main driveway.  As you approach the mini roundabout and see a cycle shelter on your left, Haymoor is next to this, set back from the road. It is a light blue coloured building.  The yellow hatchings area is used by ambulance transport, so please park to the side to avoid blocking.

What is Haymoor?

Haymoor Day Hospital is a team of qualified nurses and support workers who provide ongoing assessment of patients ‘behaviours that challenge’ in both group work and individual sessions  Haymoor offers a relaxed, informal atmosphere for patients with dementia so that further assessment of their cognition, behaviour and communication can complement ICSD and CMHT assessments.

Who are the team?

The team is made up of NHS professionals and support staff.

These include:

• team manager
• clinical team lead nurse
• staff nurse
• occupational therapist
• mental health support workers
• administrative assistant.

What does the team do?

We are available from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excepting bank holidays)

We accept your referral from ICSD and CMHT which will identify your needs to attend Haymoor.

We will request a life diary to be completed and will write a care plan to support your health, social and activity needs.  We will also carry out specific assessments to identify any specific needs you have.

We will work with you and your family towards your discharge date, averaging 8-12 weeks, and will liaise with the appropriate services to assist in your discharge from our service

Day hospital manager: Michelle Hughes

Clinical team lead nurse: Alison Whittle

What can the team help with?

Haymoor can provide support with the following:

1. Providing stimulation and socialisation via group activities.
2. Assessment of functional skills
3. such as eating safely, making hot drinks, independently using the toilet.
4. Behaviour management support – identifying triggers for behaviours and strategies to manage this.
5. Assessment of individual cognition and mood.
6. Support to identify meaningful activities within community or home setting.
7. Helping to identify suitable longer term options for care, such as day centres.
8. Haymoor are also able to collect information and liaise with other teams regarding carer strain of relatives.

Haymoor Day Hospital Alderney Hospital

Ringwood Road Poole BH12 4NB

Tel: 01202 305023 (Between hours of 08.30am–4.30pm)

Due to COVID-19 Melcombe Day Hospital is temporarily CLOSED

Melcombe Day Hospital is situated at Weymouth Community Hospital, Melcombe Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 7TB. It caters for older adults with mental health conditions under the care of CMHT-OPs in West Dorset.

Referral is via the Weymouth & Portland Community Mental Health Team on the same site - 01305 762508

What can you expect?

• An award-winning service for people with older people with dementia and functional conditions
• A service for assessment, therapy and treatment in a positively enhanced environment including a garden.
• Person-centred care, promotion of independence/normality/health & well-being is key
• Alternative non-pharmaceutical approaches to addressing behaviours and increased mental stimulation with structured activity sessions.
• Ten places each day from Monday to Thursday
• Open from 08.30 to 16.30 but people usually attend between 09:00 and15:00

Intensive Community Support for Dementia (East and West)

The ICSDs are two multi-professional teams comprising registered nurses, OTs, mental health support workers, and medical staff supported by a team administrator and team manager.

Scope

The teams provide support and treatment for people in Dorset with a diagnosis of dementia who already access Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust secondary mental health care services. The teams provide an urgent care response to needs arising in the community including residential and nursing homes, assess all referrals to determine the appropriate intervention to enable patients to receive care in their normal place of residence and will ‘gatekeep’ access to older person’s mental health in-patient wards.

The teams offer time limited contact with people with dementia for up to six weeks, with the aim of providing the service until such time as the situation has been sufficiently stabilised for ongoing care to be delivered at a lower level of intensity. Where ICSD support and treatment is assessed as completed and a local authority package of care is required, but the package of care cannot be immediately obtained, the ICSD will continue to provide support in the interim. The teams will also offer support to carers and ensure they are able to access a carer’s assessment if required

Aims

• To ensure people who can be treated in their own home or place of residence are supported to do so, instead of being admitted to a mental health hospital;
• To support people to return home or to their normal place of residence earlier within their course of treatment;
• To support family members, carers and care home providers to maintain their caring role
• To provide quality, appropriate care and treatment for service users with dementia in the community;
• To prevent inappropriate hospital admission, and reduce the demand for mental health inpatient beds;
• To manage the increasingly ageing population with co-morbid dementia and physical health problems in the least restrictive settings.

Functions

• To supplement with intensive input the Older People's Community Mental Health services for people with dementia whose condition is such that inpatient admission is otherwise likely.
• To work collaboratively with the physical health Intermediate Care services to manage complex challenging co-morbidity.
• To work with the Crisis and Home Treatment Teams ensuring that people access the service that is appropriate for their need and ensuring handovers and liaison take place between the two services as required
• To work across organic inpatient and community services to provide the most appropriate intensive service for patients with a diagnosis of dementia presenting with particularly challenging behaviours.
• To offer support and guidance to family carers and care home providers to enable their caring roles to be maintained
• To act in a 'Gatekeeping' role and bed management capacity for the organic inpatient services for older people.

The following teams can refer directly to the ICSDs:

• All CMHT-OPs
• Crisis Home Treatment Teams
• Liaison Psychiatry Teams
• (Physical Health) Intermediate Care Services
• MAS
• In-Reach

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ICSD West - based at Forston Clinic

The West team supports Sherborne, Weymouth and Portland, Bridport, Shaftesbury, Dorchester and Blandford CMHT-OPs

ICSD West 01305 361484/01305 361482

Email all referrals to: dhc.icsdwest.referrals@nhs.net

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ICSD East - based at Alderney Hospital

The East team supports Poole South, Poole North, Bournemouth East, Bournemouth North, Bournemouth West, Christchurch, Wimborne & Purbeck CMHT-OPs

ICSD East 0300 7900 213

Email all referrals to: dhc.icsd.referrals@nhs.net

St Brelades Ward is a male assessment and treatment ward for men (generally older adults) with an organic mental health illness and associated complex behaviours. The ward accepts patients with dementia from all over Dorset. A highly specialised Multi Disciplinary Team works closely with community resources and families/carers in the best interests of the person on the ward.

General contact number: Ward Office 01202 305040

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Herm Ward is a female assessment and treatment ward at Alderney Hospital for ladies (mainly older adults) with an organic mental health illness and associated complex behaviours. The ward accepts patients with dementia from all over Dorset. A highly specialised Multi Disciplinary Team works closely with community resources and families/carers in the best interests of the person on the ward.

General contact number: Ward Office 01202 305030

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General information:

Both wards are based at Alderney Community Hospital, Ringwood Road, Poole BH12 4NB.

There is limited parking on site.

There is a bus stop at the entrance to the hospital site.

The nearest train station is at Poole which is 3.4 miles away from the hospital and Bournemouth Train station is only 4.8 miles away.

This link may help you to work out a journey by public transport to Alderney Hospital moovit - getting to Alderney Hospital

Carer's wishing to visit their relatives or loved ones on either ward are asked to contact the ward beforehand to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for visits to take place.

The wards undertake to accommodate as many of the carer's needs and wishes as possible whilst they have someone they care for on the ward at the same time as providing a safe environment for the other people who are there.

Please note that both Herm and St Brelades are wards for people who have an established diagnosis of a dementia with neuropsychiatric symptoms that are very challenging. They are not places to assess whether someone has or hasn’t got a dementia, nor are the beds seen as a place to transfer patients who are nearing discharge from functional wards because a diagnosis of a dementia has been made later in treatment. The Trust has other services that are explicitly designed to offer an alternative to hospital admission wherever possible (such as CMHT-OPs, ICSDs, In-Reach)

The Speech and Language Therapy service, known as SALT teams can assess swallowing and give advice on diet or fluid modification, as well as any changes to positioning, behaviour, utensils, etc, that may reduce any risks for people with dementia.

If there are concerns regarding swallowing, a referral can be made to the local SALT team by any qualified Health Professional, such as a doctor or nurse.

The Trust has a team of Dietitians and Dietetic Assistants who can offer advice on diet and nutritional requirements for those patients who meet their referral criteria. They can also provide training for other health professionals on dietary issues including malnutrition.

Referral Criteria

They can be contacted at their base:

Community & Specialist Dietetic Service

Parkstone Health Centre

Mansfield Road

Poole BH14 0DJ

Tel 01202 733323

Rachel Murray is the only Admiral Nurse in the Trust. She has set up the service in the Purbeck area.

She has over 20 years community experience working with the District Nursing teams in Purbeck and GP practices and says about her role "I always consider it an honour to be welcomed into a home and to offer what help and support I can when individuals and families need comfort and care."

She the first community-based Admiral Nurse in Dorset and shares the vision of Dementia UK, that people living with and affected by dementia should receive compassionate, expert care and individual support that is right for them.

Admiral Nurses are one way of providing the specialist dementia support that families may need. When life with dementia gets difficult and demanding, Admiral Nurses work alongside people with dementia, their families and carers: giving one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions which can be hard to find elsewhere.

Rachel believes that families that have an Admiral Nurses support have "someone truly expert and caring by their side – helping them to live more positively with dementia in the present, and to face the challenges of tomorrow with more confidence and less fear."

Admiral Nurses are continually trained, developed and supported by Dementia UK and in this position Rachel is also offered the same support and development from Dorset Healthcare University Foundation NHS Trust.

NB This is a post part-funded by the local primary care community and dementia UK and is limited to the Purbeck area only.

Important note: The Dementia Champions roles are currently under review and the Dementia Steering Group is working to find a formal lead for the roles.

A Trust Dementia Champion is...

A Dementia Champion is a volunteer with an abundance of knowledge and skills who encourages others to make a positive difference to people living with Dementia in the community. They do this by giving information about the personal impact of Dementia and what they can do to help. They motivate others and act as role models in the delivery of person centered care.

Dementia Champion Role Description

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National Dementia Friends Champions

A Dementia Friends Champion is a volunteer who encourages others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. They do this by giving them information about the personal impact of dementia, and what they can do to help.

It's easy to get involved. Dementia Friends Champions will attend an induction, receive support when they need it, and be part of thousands of other volunteer Dementia Friends Champions creating dementia-friendly communities together.

You can access information on becoming a Dementia Friends Champion by visiting - Dementia Friends Initiative - champions training

Dorset HealthCare's carer's page is Dorset HealthCare - Carer's Information for more information

General Carer Support Information and Contact Details

Carer's Newsletter November 2021

EAST DORSET

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New Carer's Support Group at Alderney Hospital is being launched on 10th June - please come along to the canteen at Alderney between10 and 11am or 1-2.30pm for information. The group starts on 24th July 2019

Alderney Monthly Carer's Support Group leaflet

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Young Onset Dementia

Are you caring for somebody under the age of 65 who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or any other form of dementia?

Would it help to meet with other carers?

We are holding bi-monthly meeting for carers of a person with young onset dementia. This will be an opportunity to join in discussion and exchange of experience over tea and biscuits with a member of the Community Mental Health Team.

The meeting usually takes place at the Haymoor Day Hospital in the grounds of Alderney Hospital, Poole but is currently meeting virtually and more information can be found here: Young Onset Carers Flyer 2021

For further details contact Sue Mitchell (Occupational Therapist) 01202 705568

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Carer Support and Education Group

Are you living in Bournemouth and Christchurch and caring for somebody who has been diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease or any other form of dementia?

Are you keen to gain information on the condition and how best to help the person you are caring for?

Are you unsure what help is available locally?

Would it help to meet with other carers?

Kings Park Hospital runs a 10 week Carer Support and Education Group that can help answer all of these questions.

For further details contact Sue Mitchell (Occupational Therapist) (01202) 705568

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CRISP - Carers Resource Information and Support

CRISP provides a regular newsletter, carer's card for access to discounts for goods and services, an A-Z of carers services, access to beach huts and holiday homes/lodges

Please contact them on 1202 458204

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'Care Free' Carer's Choirs in Poole

Choir in Parkstone: The choir meets on Mondays at 10.30-12midday ay St Osmond's Church Hall, Bournemouth Road, Parkstone, BH14 9JG.

Contact Chrissy on 07840 976584

Choir at Alderney Hospital: The choir meets on Wednesdays from 26th February 3-5pm in the Conference Room at Alderney Hospital, Ringwood Road, Poole BH12 4NB

Contact Help & Care 0303 303 0153 - no referral needed, just turn up!

Carer's 'Care Free' Choir @ Alderney Hospital

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Dorset Mental Health Carers Project is a group of carers that meet quarterly and work to improve the carers experience and communication with mental health professionals.

Telephone 01202 373305

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Poole Community Mental Health Team Group for Carers

This is on open group that meets every second Wednesday each month from 7.00pm -9.00pm. If you would like to attend the group

Please contact Debra Thistlethwaite Poole CMHT Carers Officer 01202 305062

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PramaLIFE

Friendly pop-in groups and lunches, carers support groups, dementia-friendly Memory Lane clubs, craft activities, sporting clubs, gardening clubs, armchair keep-fit sessions and more

Contacts:

Poole Manager - Bridget Barrett 07867 354578

East Dorset Manager - Carol Davies 07867 133445

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CROSS COUNTY

DHUFT Mental Health Carer's Strategy 2015-18

Stepping Into Nature Guided Activities

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Dementia Workshops - due to the COVID-19 pandemic these were interrupted and are planned to be reintroduced across the county - watch this space or contact us here for more information

They are seven-week carer support courses run by MAS and this is what they usually consist of:

Dementia Workshops Leaflet

Week 1. Course welcome and introduction. Understanding diagnosis, what is Dementia?

This initial session will set the scene for the course. We will identify the differences between the common types of dementia as well as any other types participants may wish to know more about. We will provide an overview of some of the functions of the brain that can be affected by dementia and how this will affect a person’s ability to manage everyday tasks.

Week 2. Unusual behaviour and wellbeing.

In this and the following session we will discuss types of behaviour participants have observed in the person they care for and consider possible causes and helpful responses, medication and gadgets. We will also consider the impact of common physical health problems on people with dementia.

Week 3. Unusual behaviour and wellbeing.

Continued from previous week.

Week 4. As Dementia advances: changes and care.

In this session we will consider the effects of dementia as it progresses. Discussions will include personal care, incontinence, and changes in mobility, Advanced Directives and care.

Week 5. Caring for someone with Dementia: It can’t be that difficult, can it?

This session will explore the reasons why carers are at increased risk of depression and anxiety. We will discuss how to recognise symptoms in yourself and raise awareness about how to help yourself.

Session 6. Looking after yourself. Where to get help.

This session will help you identify local and national resrouces and source of help and how to increase your own resilience through self-care.

Session 7. Contingency planning: Expecting the unexpected.

In this final session we will identify what might constitute a crisis for you and the person you care for. We will look ways to minimise this and consider any obstacles that might prevent you from accessing help. We will also outline what help is available if a crisis is unavoidable.

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'My Time' Shaftesbury Carer's Poster 2018

'My Time' Carer's Support groups in West Dorset

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NATIONAL

Living with Dementia Toolkit

Welcome to the Living with Dementia Toolkit for people with dementia and their carers. This set of resources is based on research, and the expert experiences of people with dementia and their carers.

These resources are here to:

·       give you hope for the future

·       inspire you through examples of real-life experiences

·       offer ideas to help you live your life as you choose

https://livingwithdementiatoolkit.org.uk/ 

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John's Campaign is a campaign started by Nicci Gerard and Julia Jones in Nov 2014.

Behind its simple statement of purpose lies the belief that carers should not just be allowed into hospitals with their loved one, but should be welcomed by those institutions and the staff working in them. It believes that a collaboration between the patients and all those connected with them is crucial to their health and their well-being.

John’s Campaign applies to all hospital settings: acute, community, mental health and the principles could extend to all other caring institutions where people are living away from those closest to them. 1000+ health organisations have signed up to this campaign, including all the major hospital providers in Dorset as well as our Trust - John's Campaign and our Trust

The Care Act 2014 - Factsheet

Innovations in Dementia survey exploring changes that can be made to public signs to enable people with dementia to understand them better TAKE THE SURVEY

Befriending schemes are there to help reduce loneliness and isolation for carers. This really useful website called Help and Kindness is a Dorset Council and Public Health venture.It’s perfect for finding out about befriending schemes across the county as well as other help and support.

https://helpandkindness.co.uk/search/dorset/befrie...

It’s perfect for finding out about befriending schemes across the county as well as other help and support.

Dementia Coordinator service from Help and Care is accessible to everyone who has a diagnosis of dementia so they they or their family/carer/ relative can receive support and advice - see their leaflet Help & Care's Dementia Coordinators 

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Farming Community Network Carer's Leaflet - information for people caring for those in the farming community with dementia

The Dementia Steering Group meets bi-monthly and is chaired by Consultant Nurse Intermediate Care/Older People Cliff Kilgore. A broad range of professionals in the Trust are part of the group, from both physical and mental health services.

The terms of reference of the group are updated annually and can be found in the DSG Terms of Reference

Purpose The purpose of the Dementia Steering Group is to ensure that there is a corporate approach to achieving high quality Dementia care for patients to ensure that the service delivers the National, local and organisational agenda.

2022

DSG Minutes January 2022

DSG Minutes March 2022

DSG Minutes May 2022

DSG Minutes July 2022

DSG Minutes September 2022

DSG Minutes November 2022

2021

DSG Minutes November 2021

DSG Minutes September 2021

DSG Minutes July 2021

DSG Minutes May 2021

DSG Minutes March 2021

2020

DSG Minutes November 2020

DSG Minutes September 2020

DSG Minutes July 2020

DSG Minutes March 2020

2019

DSG Minutes January 2019

DSG Minutes March 2019

DSG Minutes May 2019

DSG Minutes September 2019

DSG Minutes November 2019

2018

DSG Minutes January 2018

DSG Minutes September 2018

DSG Minutes November 2018

DSG Minutes July 2021

This is a list of and links to a number of local and national organisations that are working with the community to help people with dementia in some way. The Trust does not recommend any one service above another, this page is purely for people who may wish to look for community resources or help and assistance with any issues, problems or matters that relate to dementia.

If you feel that a service or resource or organisation that you know about has been overlooked and should be considered for adding to this page please email us HERE

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The National Institute of Clinical Effectiveness (NICE) publish evidence-based guidance on different areas of health care and health conditions - visit This Page to find information related to treatment and care of people with dementia that has a sound evidence base published by NICE

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National Links:

Carers Trust - "Carers Trust believes in a world where the role and contribution of unpaid carers is recognised and they have access to the quality support and services they need to live their own lives."

Carer's UK - "As the UK's only national membership charity for carers, Carers UK is both a supportive community and a movement for change.

For the past 50 years we've been driven by carers raising their voices together to call for change and seek recognition and support.

Looking after someone can be a rewarding experience but it can also be lonely and bewildering. At these times, you need people around you who really understand caring.

That's where we come in.

We help each other by sharing experiences and offering support. Guided by a Board of Trustees that's primarily made up of carers, we're rooted in the real experiences of our members and we're here to make life better for carers."

Independent Age - Support & Care Information -

"Whatever happens as we get older, we all want to remain independent and live life on our own terms. That’s why, as well as offering regular friendly contact and a strong campaigning voice, Independent Age can provide you and your family with clear, free and impartial advice on the issues that matter: care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility.
A charity founded over 150 years ago, we’re independent so you can be."

Alzheimer's Society - "Alzheimer’s Society is the only UK charity that campaigns for change, funds research to find a cure and supports people living with dementia today."

Dementia Friends UK - Part of the Alzheimer's Society - "Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition.

Whether you attend a face-to-face Information Session or watch the online video, Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts."

My Life, My Care - "If you find it difficult to live safely and independently in your home, you can find help here. Our solutions offer information and advice to help you make informed choices about living the life you want. To find your solution, start from the menu below."

Alzheimer's Society 'This Is Me' form - "This is me is a simple form for anyone receiving professional care who is living with dementia or is experiencing delirium or other communication difficulties."

Government Dementia Policies - Public Health England webpage with a variety of information about dementia and policies and approaches related to living with the condition and supporting people living with the condition

Age UK - "Age UK is the country's largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life.

The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before.

Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people.

We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations."

PHE Practical Guide to Healthy Caring Booklet - A link to the Public Health England publication. "The advice in this booklet will help those who look after a friend or family member or have any form of caring responsibilities, but it is written to be particularly relevant for those who are about 65 years or older and are new to caring."

Knowing Me! Community Interest Company offering practical guidance for dementia and person-centred care.

Managing the legal affairs of someone with dementia - Information from NHS England about a range of topics related to the law and dementia. "

A dementia diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean you're unable to make important decisions at that point in time.

But as symptoms of dementia get worse over time, you may no longer be able to make decisions about things like your finances, health or welfare. This is sometimes referred to as lacking mental capacity.

You may want to make plans now for a person you trust to make decisions on your behalf.

This means your wishes for your future care can be respected. It'll also help give your family peace of mind."

UK Dementia Research Institute - "

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a joint £290 million investment from the Medical Research Council (MRC), Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The UK DRI breaks new ground by bringing together world-leading expertise in biomedical, care and translational dementia research in a national institute. The institute will grow to be made up of 700 scientists carrying out a rich, varied and integrated programme of research.

The institute will carry out research relevant to all dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, Huntington’s disease and beyond."

Arts4Dementia - "Artistic stimulation elevates people, their families and carers above the stresses of dementia. Stepping into an arts venue is in itself inspirational.

Arts4Dementia offers arts opportunities to empower people affected by dementia in the community"

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Dementia Change Action Network is an open, collaborative network that uses the power of network to tackle key challenges for people with dementia. They have launched the Next Steps website to support people who are waiting for a memory assessment appointment and would really appreciate your help in sharing it to make sure it reaches the people who need it.

Who is the Next Steps for?

• The Next Steps website is for anyone waiting for a memory assessment appointment as well as carers, family members and organisations who support them.

• A link to this website could be given to people by their GP at the same time that a referral to a memory clinic is made; or be included on an appointment letter from a memory clinic.

What is the aim of Next Steps?

Next Steps will help people to find the right support, at the right time, while waiting for a memory assessment appointment. It is divided into four key steps:

Step 1: What to expect from the memory assessment process

Step 2: Taking care of your well-being

Step 3: Exploring available support

Step 4: Diagnosis  

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National Energy Help

ECHO - Emergency Central Heating Offer

LEAP - Local Energy Advice Partnership - help to save on energy use

Locking Cooker Valve

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Palliative care for people with dementia - guidelines

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Local Links:

Citizen's Advice Bureau:

Citizens Advice are running a project to raise awareness about the Priority Services Register for both SSEN and Wessex Water.

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is entirely free of charge and can provide essential additional help to those in need during a power cut or disruption to the water service.

Those eligible to be on the register include those who:

- are aged over 60

- are blind or partially sighted

- have additional medical or communication needs

- have dementia

- use medical equipment that may rely on electricity and/or water

The additional support can include portable generators, bottled water, communication to suit your needs, nominated contact options and a password scheme for identification of callers.

There is now a simple form to complete and return in the envelope provided. We will be including these in the installation folders/supply in vans, however there are 2 forms depending on the area the individual lives. If you are able to take a few moments to highlight the form to the individual or if particularly vulnerable, assist in completing and posting.

Please complete the correct form depending on the area the customer lives (SSEN / WW and SSEN / WW / BW). The forms make it easier for the household to register - otherwise they either need to enter 2 online forms or call 2 telephone numbers (one for each utility).

Dorset is mostly covered by SSEN, with Wessex Water covering most parts of Dorset (inc Purbeck, Poole and North Dorset) and Bournemouth Water covering Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, & parts of Ferndown. Only the area out towards Bridport is not under SSEN, and I don't think you provide the service to that area.

This map may help to see the actual area:

https://www.google.com/maps/search/wessex+water+co...

Or for more specific checks on a house there is a postcode checker:

https://www.water.org.uk/advice-for-customers/find...

Citizens Advice also have a project worker who can attend local groups to inform them about the Register and to assist in signing up. Please contact Kate Pryce on 01929 508230 or psr@purbeck.cabnet.org.uk for more information.

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RVS Mobile Library Service

Poole Lifeline information leaflet

Bournemouth Careline information leaflet

Buy with Confidence - local tradesmen checked service

Dorset & Wilts Fire & Rescue Home Check Leaflet

Stepping Into Nature - Guided Activities - "The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Dorset AONB) covers almost half of Dorset and is part of a family of nationally important protected landscapes.

If you are looking for inspiration to get out and about this winter, the South Dorset Ridgeway Field Guide and Walking Maps are a good place to start, with 10 walks exploring the enigmatic 'Land of Bone and Stone'.

Help & Care - "Help & Care has been working across South-Central England for over 30 years, promoting dignity and independence for all people, particularly people living with a long-term health condition, carers and those who are isolated and/or housebound. What makes us different is our person-centred approach. We understand that each individual has different needs, so we work closely with people to understand what really matters for them and to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives, for as long as possible.

Based in Bournemouth, we offer services across South-Central England.

We can help you

We can speak up on your behalf, offer assistance to manage some day-to-day activities, provide support and advice, and much more. Together we will make your voice heard and find solutions that will help you be happier."

Help and Care Dorset Self Management Service leaflet

Help and Care are also now working in partnership with Dorset HealthCare to provide the Dementia Coordinator Service across Dorset to people who have a dementia diagnosis. This is a post-diagnostic, long-term support resource and more can be found out here: Help & Care Dementia Coordinators 

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In partnership with Dorset Healthcare, Age UK is providing Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) groups around Dorset for people with a diagnosis of dementia. You can find out more here: AGE UK - CST in Dorset

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Atlas In-Tandem | Online Dementia Care | Atlas Respite & Therapy

https://www.atlas.care/tandemcare/

"In-TanDEM provides one-to-one online support for those with memory loss (including dementia) and those that care for them. Because we operate online we can support you in your own home and will help you to get online easily. We provide tailored support for those with cognitive decline with our Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (recommended by NICE) programme called Active Minds. We also provide much needed support for family and carers through provision of practical information, by helping to increase resilience and wellbeing and by enabling people to navigate the future with confidence working with a personal coach."

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Dorset CCG - Living Well with Dementia Plan - "Welcome to the third edition of the directory of services and support for people with dementia and memory loss, their carers and families.

When someone receives a diagnosis of dementia it can be frightening for them and their loved ones. Having the right information about dementia through all its stages, knowing where to find support, how to apply for any relevant benefits and the legal aspects of the disease can be invaluable.

With this in mind we have gathered together as much information as possible on these and other topics such as keeping well and keeping active, which we hope you will find helpful.

The booklet has been compiled by the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group and Dorset HealthCare, in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council, the Borough of Poole, Dorset County Council (Learning and Development), Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society(Dorset) and local community groups."

Dementia Action - Local Alliances - "A Local Dementia Action Alliance (LDAA) is an easy structure for creating a dementia Friendly Community.

An LDAA is a group of people representing different sectors within an area who have come together to create a DFC alongside local people affected by dementia.

A LDAA can be established at any level, be it a village, city, county or even a region. They can overlap geographically and member organisations are encouraged to participate in more than one community."

Dorset Carers Advocacy - "Local Authorities in Bournemouth and Poole want carers to tell them about their experiences, to help them to improve services.

Dorset Advocacy is supporting carers to do this. Meetings are open to all carers of someone with a learning disability. You don’t need lots of time or experience, just the enthusiasm to share your ideas."

Prama Care Care Agency - A local charity providing care for local people with a CQC rating of GOOD in 2017.

Dementia Partnerships Information - "The Dorset Dementia Partnership is made up of people who represent different organisations across health and social care, such as the local authorities. It also includes, amongst others, employees of the fire brigade and the police, as well as people living with dementia and their carers."

Helping Hands Home Care - "The flexibility of homecare enables you to live safely and comfortably in the home you know best. From daily or weekly care visits right through to the dedicated support of a live-in carer, there are plenty of home care services available – and even on a temporary basis.

By choosing Helping Hands homecare, you’re safe in the knowledge that the support is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales. With 30 years’ experience in the sector, we’re widely recognised as one of the UK’s top home care providers, and the only one that is endorsed by Skills for Care as a Centre of Excellence.

Offering the full range of home care services, you can flex your service to match your current needs, whether that’s switching between a live-in carer and a visiting carer or receiving nursing care if your health care needs have changed. We’re here through it all, to fully support you."

iSpace - "iSPACE is a number of actions designed to improve the patient experience through delivery of a set of improvements in care planning, communications and awareness of dementia for staff in primary care settings.

The Wessex Academic Health Science Network has funded a project to make GP surgeries dementia friendly. This was piloted in Hampshire, implemented on the Isle of Wight and then evaluated by the Wessex AHSN Centre for Implementation Science at the University of Southampton. This project has shown good outcomes for patients and is now being spread across Wessex.

I – Identify a dementia champion,

S – Staff Training,

P – Partnership working with patients, carers, and the voluntary sector,

A – Assessment and oversight of use of anti psychotics

C – Care planning and use of tools such as ‘This is Me’,

E – ensure the environment supports people with dementia and other disabilities.

This work is now being spread across Wessex with 143 surgeries in the process of becoming dementia friendly. The programme is often carried out in conjunction with the Dementia Action Alliance and groups who wish to make their communities dementia friendly."

Wessex FaithWorks - "Faithworks Wessex - a local charity helping people get out of crisis and isolation.

We believe there is always Hope.
Hope to get debt free…
Hope to rebuild self-confidence as a lone parent or carer;
Hope to get off the street…
Hope while living with dementia or the memories of domestic abuse…"

The Leonardo Trust - "The Leonardo's trust is a charity which provides funds for full-time carers to have a break, help pay for respite, or other needs."

Dorset Computers4Carers - "Many people who care at home, full-time, for someone they love can feel socially isolated, lonely and unsupported. Often they can’t leave the person they care for, and replacement care is too expensive, which means that meeting up with friends, or even a relaxing walk around the shops, is impossible for them."

Dorset Adult Safeguarding Board - "Safeguarding is everybody's business. The Board exists to protect adults at risk from abuse, significant harm or neglect. We will achieve this through strategic leadership and collective accountability." (You are able to report suspected abuse on this link and to view local policies and procedures for dealing with safeguarding issues.)

Dorset Child Protection - Information page with contact details if you suspect a child me be being abused

Dementia Friendly Communities in Dorset - "The Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia (2012) included creating dementia friendly communities. This section illustrates local initiatives to enable people to live well with dementia." - information from the Dorset Dementia Partnerships

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The Ageing & Dementia Research Centre (ADRC) at Bournemouth University (BU) brings together cross-faculty research expertise in areas of ageing and dementia. At a time when our population is living longer and often with long-term conditions including dementia, the centre’s research significantly impacts on theory, education and professional practice.

The aim of ADRC is to use the team’s collective expertise to develop person-centred research which will improve the lives of people with dementia and their families. Their research falls under three broad categories – developing ageing & dementia friendly environments, nutrition & wellbeing and activity & social inclusion. Each topic builds on a wealth of research knowledge and projects already taking place at BU. More information can be found on their website ADRC

The ADRC is led by Professor Jane Murphy and Professor Jan Wiener, supported by staff and students from the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences and the Faculty of Science & Technology.

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Dementia Specialist Nurses in General Hospitals

The three acute general hospitals, Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset County all have their own dementia specialist nurses who work closely with DHUFT Trust services to offer some clinical support to people identified with dementia on their wards, linking with the Trust's Psychiatric Liaison Services in each hospital and to some of the Trust's community dementia services. They each have different remits according to the hospital Trust they are employed by. Some offer more training to staff and signposting to other services (Poole), some offer more individual clinical support on the wards (Royal Bournemouth) and some offer a very specific consultancy service to assist ward staff to manage better (Dorset County).

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Early Onset Dementia Support Group in East Dorset - poster for the informal support group offered locally by Tricuro 

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Recommended reading:

ABC of Dementia

Bernard Coope (Editor), Felicity Richards (Editor)

ISBN: 978-1-118-47402-0

Apr 2014, BMJ Books

This book has been edited by Dorset Healthcare University Foundation NHS Trust Consultants Dr Bernie Coope and Dr Felicity Richards and can be ordered from Tomlinsons Book Service with a discounted price of £18.95. It is recommended reading for all staff involved with working with people who have dementia and would be a valuable resource for all teams.

NB: This book is due to be reviewed and published in the up-to-date version in 2019

"ABC of Dementia is a practical guide to help healthcare professionals develop knowledge, skills, confidence and an understanding of dementia, in order to support those with dementia to live well.

It begins with the cognitive disabilities and underlying brain diseases that define dementia, before moving on to diagnostic assessment and early intervention for dementia. There is a focus on the experience of the person with dementia and their families, highlighting the journey from diagnosis to end of life, including the role of person-centred care, and the limited therapeutic options available.

Separate chapters address dementia in acute hospital settings, primary care, and care for those with the most severe challenges, as well as the specific needs of younger people developing dementia. The ethical and legal context of dementia care is also outlined.

From a multidisciplinary author team, ABC of Dementia is a valuable resource for general practitioners, family physicians and other health care professionals caring for patients with dementia and related disorders. It is also relevant for geriatricians, psychologists, specialist and practice nurses, and nursing home staff."

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A research project by the Alzheimer's Society which anyone with a smartphone can do:

"You can help us drive dementia research forward simply using your smartphone.

1. Sign up to the GameChanger research project
2. Download the app to your smartphone
3. Begin playing fun, free brain games!"

Gamechanger - the smartphone game app YOU can play to support dementia research

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A leaflet from TechSilver, a company that offers some technological solutions to some of the issues that can occur in people living with dementia, to help understand 'wandering' in dementia. The leaflet offers some techniques and strategies to help deal with it and prevent unnecessary distress Dementia Wandering - How to Help

There are four specific medicines licensed to treat Alzheimer's dementia, three of these are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Donepezil, Galantamine and Rivastigmine) and the fourth is an NMDA Receptor Agonist (Memantine).

None of these medicines can cure dementia, but they may help with slowing down the advancement and process of the disease and may also help reduce some symptoms.

Information for Patients: Leaflets on medicines in dementia

Alzheimer's Society drugs for BPSD

NICE Guidance on Medicines in Dementia

British National Formulary (BNF) - Dementia

RCPsych: Advice on dementia and memory problems

RCPsych: Advice on Alzheimer's treatment

Bournemouth University have a free workbook on nutrition in dementia available from: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/nutrition-dementia

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Nutrition and Hydration

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for all as part of a healthy lifestyle. People with dementia will have different needs depending on the stage they are at. As dementia progresses, eating and drinking adequately can be more of an issue. Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK both have helpful information available on-line:

Alzheimer's Society - advice on eating and drinking in dementia

Dementia UK - advice on eating and drinking with dementia

People with dementia can be at risk of malnutrition. A self-screening tool is available on-line which includes advice on what to do, depending on the outcome. If there are nutritional concerns a referral can be made to a dietitian by any qualified Health Professional, such as a doctor or nurse or the SALT team:

MUST - Malnutrition Self Screening Tool

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There are often changes in appetite and complications of the natural reflexes of swallowing ability with people who have dementia (known as Dysphagia) and this must be addressed to prevent risk of harm.

Eating and Drinking in Dementia - SALT teams

Dementia can affect the ability to eat and drink safely. Someone with dementia may forget to chew, putting them at risk of choking or aspirating. They may also forget to swallow, or get distracted and confused during mealtimes which can make it difficult to maintain nutrition and hydration. The SALT services can assess swallowing and give advice on diet or fluid modification, as well as any changes to positioning, behaviour, utensils, etc, that may reduce any risks.

Eating and Dementia

Below are some videos around diet and dementia, they are quite short, snappy and informative.

http://dorsetccg.healthandcarevideos.com/diet

The Wessex Academic Health Sciences Network (WAHSN) undertook some work into hydration in care homes and a video and toolkit are available below

WAHSN Hydration Project Video

WAHSN Toolkit for Hydration

The Dementia Services Review (DSR) is a co-produced process in Dorset led by the CCG which has now been completed. The CCG's review group explored models of care, support, treatment and service provision for people living with dementia and their carers in consultation with a broad range of people who are affected by dementia (professionals, community resources and service-users).

The DSR Public Consultation ran from 17th June 2019 to 11th August 2019. The dementia consultation document with the questionnaire, posters and leaflets was sent to GP practices, community pharmacies, community hospitals, libraries, memory services, acute hospitals, mental health teams, specialist dementia teams and other groups. More information on the model, which has now been approved, can be found at:

CCG Information about the Dementia Services Review and Model of Treatment

The new model will be implemented from April 1st 2021 and Dorset healthCare NHS Trust will be working in collaboration with Help and Care and Age UK to provide all the elements of the service.

The new Memory Assessment Service Flowchart can be found HERE

The new Memory Assessment Service Information Leaflet can be found HERE

Royal College of Psychiatrists National Audit of Dementia pages

Dementia report 2017: key recommendations

These are the key recommendations from the National Audit of Dementia Care in General Hospitals 2016-17.

There’s a full list of recommendations on page 87 of the full report (pdf) and the report also details recommendations on a theme by theme basis.

Delirium

Medical and Nursing Directors should:

Ensure that hospitals have robust mechanisms in place for assessing delirium in people with dementia including:

• At admission, a full clinical delirium assessment, whenever indicators of delirium are identified
• Cognitive tests administered on admission and again before discharge
• Delirium screening and assessment fully documented in the patient’s notes (regardless of the outcome)
• Care offered in concordance with the delirium evidence-base recommendations when the assessment indicates symptoms of delirium.
• Results recorded on the electronic discharge summary
• Ensure staff receive training in delirium and its relationship to dementia, manifestations of pain, and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Personal information use

National Commissioners (Welsh Government, NHS

England) should propose a nationally backed monitoring programme aimed at embedding the collection, sharing and use of person centred information.

This should include a clear expectation that once gathered, this information will follow the patient between providers, and this will be monitored.

• Ward Managers should audit implementation/use of personal information collected to improve care for patients (e.g. This is Me or other locally developed document). The result of the audit should be fed back to the dementia champions/dementia lead and ward staff.

Nutrition

• Clinical Commissioning Groups and Health Board commissioning services should ensure that tenders let by Trusts for new catering contracts always specify provision of finger foods for main meals and access to a range of snacks 24 hours a day.
• Medical and Nursing Directors should promote the attendance of key carers to support care, but ensure that this is complementary to, and not instead of, care delivered by staff. The level of input by carers, and how carers feel about the level of input they have been asked to deliver should be monitored through carer feedback, complaints and PALS enquiries. Carer satisfaction should be seen as a marker of good care. Ward managers should be supported to ensure carers supporting patients should not be asked to leave at mealtimes/stopped from helping with meals (this excludes emergency and urgent care and treatment).

Dementia Champions

The Chief Executive Officer should ensure that there is a dementia champion available to support staff 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. This could be achieved through ensuring that people in roles such as Site Nurse Practitioners and Bed Managers have expertise in dementia care.

Decision making

The Safeguarding Lead should ensure that staff are trained in the Mental Capacity Act, including consent, appropriate use of best interests decision making, the use of Lasting Power of Attorney and Advance Decision Making. Training should cover supportive communication with family members/carers on these topics.

If you are affected by dementia and would like to meet others in a similar situation, you are welcome at our groups. If you are affected by dementia and would like to meet others in a similar situation, you are welcome at our groups. However, please note that this page is only as good as the updates that are received by us. Since the pandemic many things have changed and not all the activities are running. Please let us know in the link in the Feedback section, if there are any changes you are aware of. Thank you for your help.

CROSS COUNTY ACTIVITIES by The Jolly Good Company

We'd love you to join us

In Jolly Good Company offer uplifting indoor and outdoor activities for older people in the Dorset countryside. To make sure that our service suits you and your needs we will need to talk to you before you attend our sessions.
When and where we meet

STEP OUTSIDE GARDENING GROUP at Kingston Lacy Allotments, BH21 4EG 2nd and 4th Fridays 2 pm - 4 pm

JOLLY DAYS at Wimborne St Giles Village Hall, BH21 5LX 1st and 3rd Mondays 12 noon - 4 pm

JOLLY DAYS at Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford, DT11 7DN 2nd and 4th Mondays 2 - 4 pm

JOLLY DAYS at the Royal British Legion, Coppice Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8PF every other Tuesday

JOLLY DAYS at the Museum, 23-29 High St, Wimborne BH21 1HR 1st and 3rd Thursdays 2 - 4 pm

All our groups are dementia friendly and open to everyone.
To find out more or to book email sarah@injollygoodcompany.com or call 07884 333117 Monday to Friday 10am - 5pm www.injollygoodocmpany.com 

Download our leaflet HERE

Singing for the Brain in DORSET Leaflet HERE

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EAST DORSET

Activities in Bournemouth and Poole

Memory Lane - Dementia Friendly Cafe - Pokesdown 

East Dorset flyer for Memory Lane 

Poole flyer for Memory Lane

Bournemouth & Christchurch flyer for Memory Lane

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Ever thought about getting involved in Walking Football? A great way to exercise and for all ages and abilities. This activity is put on in three different areas in Bournemouth and Poole and more information can be found on the AGE UK flyer WALKING FOOTBALL!

The Potteries Care Home are running their 'Trusted to Care' dementia cafe in Poole on the last Tuesday of the month at The Club Hub - information can be found on their leaflet HERE

Activities in Purbeck

APRIL 25th 2019 - Tricuro Support Group for Younger People or Their Carers with Dementia in Wareham

Purbeck Forget-Me-Not Meeting Centre

This is a social club providing the opportunity for activities and support to adapt and adjust to the physical, social and psychological changes that dementia brings, held in Wareham - more information can be found here Purbeck Forget-Me-Not

'Making Memories' - this is a local offer for dementia-friendly film showings in Swanage cinemas please see the details on the flyer Making Memories Oct-Dec 2021

Activities in Christchurch

Activities in East Dorset

Activities for younger people with dementia and carers in the East of Dorset

WEST DORSET

Activities in Weymouth and Portland

Activities in West Dorset

Activities in North Dorset

Local support for people living with dementia in North Dorset is now organiSed by three different charities:

1. Mindful, who run a fortnightly café in Gillingham, a monthly café in Stalbridge and a fortnightly men’s activity group in Gillingham – see flyers below

Fortnightly Cafe - Gillingham

Monthly cafe - Stalbridge

Fortnightly Men's Activity Group - Gillingham

1. Shaftesbury & District Dementia Friendly Community (SDDFC) who run a fortnightly singing group in Shaftesbury – see flyer below

Fortnightly singing group -- Shaftesbury

1. In Jolly Good Company, who run a fortnightly café in Shaftesbury – see poster below

Fortnightly cafe - Shaftesbury

Activities for younger people with dementia and carers in West Dorset

Dementia Workshops starting April 2019 in Dorchester

Natural Choices leaflet - activities from Livewell Dorset

Livability's Flourish Project @ Holton Lee - leaflet

Dementia Friendly Group @ Holton Lee

Future Roots - Countrymen's Club @ Rylands Farm, Dorchester - Future Roots run programmes for men aged 50+ from Rylands Farm, which is known as The Countrymen’s Club and also a separate club for their carers.

Activities are tailored to the preferences of the group & needs, which can be very broad ranging and include working with animals and spending time touring the farm and discussing changes, through to picking fruit or vegetables and then cooking a meal to be shared. Other activities include art therapy, traditional songs and poems, general woodwork or small building projects. Building projects are driven by the needs of each site so usually relate to agriculture or horticulture. Workshops are available on both sites. Many sessions include an element of reminiscence through involvement in current issues.

The Countrymen's Club is on Tuesday afternoons and transport is available to collect men from Dorchester through to Cerne and Sherborne.

'Stepping Into Nature' October 2018 Activities

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