We know that this is a worrying time for people living with dementia and their families and carers.
The threat of COVID-19 remains real and it feels like life won’t fully return to normal for a while. However, health and social care services remain open and it’s important that people access support and advice if they are worried about something or are struggling.
The following Frequently Asked Questions will direct you to local support services.
1. Where can I get help with a memory problem?
If you have a memory problem, your GP should be contacted in the first instance. Doctors surgeries may be working differently but they are open and are encouraging patients to seek advice if they are worried about their health.
The Derbyshire Dementia Support Services in Derbyshire and Derby City can also support you to seek a diagnosis as well as providing advice and support.
- Derbyshire Dementia Support Service,
provided by the Alzheimer’s Society,
Tel: 01332 208845
Email: derbyshire@alzheimers.org.uk - Derby City Dementia Support Service,
provided by Making Space,
Tel: 01332 497640
Email: derbycity.dementia-service@makingspace.co.uk
You can find general information about Dementia – what it is, what the symptoms are, why it’s important to seek a diagnosis and more on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia.
2. I’ve already been to my GP and have been referred for a memory assessment, where can I get help while I wait for an appointment?
The Living Well with Dementia Programme is usually offered in person, but during the pandemic local NHS partners have developed an online version that can be accessed by anyone. The course has tips on how to stay well and manage your condition. Visit: surveys.derbyshcft.nhs.uk/s/LivingWellWithDementia
You can also get advice from the Dementia Support service (see question 1 for contact details).
3. I need some support or advice quickly – who can help me?
- Derbyshire Mental Health helpline
(freephone, available 24/7), Tel: 0800 028 0077 - Joined up Care Derbyshire website visit: joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/public-info-covid-19
- NHS 111 visit: 111.nhs.uk or Tel: 111
- Dementia Support Service, see question 1 for contact details
4. I have a diagnosis of dementia but it seems to be getting worse, who can I contact?
You should contact your GP who can refer you to other services or recommend support options depending on the nature of your needs. Your GP may recommend the Living Well with Dementia Programme operated by the NHS which can be accessed online by visiting: surveys.derbyshcft.nhs.uk/s/LivingWellWithDementia
Your local Dementia Support Service can give information and advice to help you get further support:
- Derbyshire Dementia Support Service,
Tel: 01332 208845
email: derbyshire@alzheimers.org.uk - Derby City Dementia Support Service,
Tel: 01332 497640
email: derbycity.dementia-service@makingspace.co.uk
If you need support to manage day to day living at home you can contact your local Adult Social Care department
- Derbyshire County Council Adult Social Care
Tel: 01629 533190
visit: derbyshire.gov.uk/adultcare - Derby City Council, Adult Social Care
Tel: 01332 640777
visit: derby.gov.uk
5. I am someone living on my own with dementia, where can I go for help?
- Contact your GP – many surgeries are operating differently but they are open and are advising people to get in touch if they need medical advice
- Contact your local Dementia Support Service (see question 4 for contact details)
- Get in touch with your local Adult Social Care department (see question 4 for
contact details)
6. How safe are services for people with Dementia during the Pandemic?
Services are safe. They are taking precautions and minimising contact in person where possible. If face to face contact is needed, staff will use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where appropriate to protect against infection.
The Joined up Care Derbyshire website gives information on how health and social care services are currently operating.
7. Should I go to appointments I am sent in the post?
Yes, unless you have symptoms of covid-19 or have been contacted to say you’ve been in contact with someone who has covid-19.
The service who the appointment is with will have implemented safety procedures to minimise risk of infection spreading.
Telephone Help
- Derbyshire Mental Health helpline (freephone, available 24/7)
Tel: 0800 028 0077 - If you don’t have access to the internet, Healthwatch Derbyshire can help you find information about services
Tel: 01773 880786 - NHS 111 for health related advice
Tel: 111
Websites
- Joined Up Care Derbyshire: joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/public-info-covid-19
- NHS online Dementia information: nhs.uk/conditions/dementia
- NHS 111 Online: 111.nhs.uk
- Living Well With Dementia: surveys.derbyshcft.nhs.uk/s/LivingWellWithDementia
Support for Unpaid / Family Carers Looking After someone with Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
I am a carer of someone living with dementia, where can I get information, advice and support for me?
If you are a carer of someone living with dementia, there are a number of services available to support you in your caring role. Whether the person you look after lives in Derby or Derbyshire determines which carer support services you should access.
The person I care for lives in Derbyshire
- Derbyshire Carers Advice and Information Service provided by Derbyshire Carers Association can give important advice about support and carry out a Carer’s Assessment of your needs as a carer. They also provide peer support opportunities.
Tel: 01773 833833
email: info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk
Visit: www.derbyshirecarers.co.uk - Derbyshire Dementia Support Service provided by Alzheimers Society can give important advice and information for carers, as well as peer support groups.
Tel: 01332 208845
email: derbyshire@alzheimers.org.uk - Derbyshire County Council provide a range of services and support for carers, including further assessment for carer-specific support and/or a needs assessment for the person living with dementia.
Tel: 01629 533190
Visit: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/carers - The Carers in Derbyshire website has a searchable directory of support services plus information and advice for carers who look after someone living in Derbyshire.
Visit: www.carersinderbyshire.org.uk
The person I care for lives in Derby City
- Universal Services for Carers in Derby provide information, advice and support for carers, as well as providing peer support activities. The service is provided by Citizen’s Advice Mid Mercia.
Tel: 01332 228777
email: carers@citizensadvicemidmercia.org.uk
Visit: www.citizensadvicemidmercia.org.uk - Derby City Dementia Support Service provided by Making Space can give important advice, information and support.
Tel: 01332 497640
email: derbycity.dementia-service@makingspace.co.uk - Derby City Council can carry out a carer’s assessment of your needs as well as
assessing the daily living needs of the person you care for.
Tel: 01332 640777
Visit: www.derby.gov.uk
General information websites (all areas)
- Carers UK: www.carersuk.org
- Carers Trust: www.carers.org
- Alzheimer’s Society: www.alzheimers.org.uk