People you may meet

There is a wide range of health and social care services that support people with dementia and their families. For some people, meeting so many new professionals in a short space of time can feel overwhelming, so it may be helpful to know who they are and what they do.

www.carechoices.co.uk/dementia Every day can be different when someone has dementia – don’t assume it will be the same. The professionals may be employed by the NHS or local authority, private businesses or voluntary organisations. Here are details of just some of the professionals you may meet.

GPs

The local GP will probably have been your first point of contact. The GP is the one who may offer a diagnosis of dementia, refer you to a consultant doctor or a memory clinic, or consider your health needs as a carer.

CONSULTANTS

These are doctors who have had extensive training and experience in a particular area.

There are different types of consultants, and who people are referred to will depend on their symptoms and how the services in the local area

are arranged. The consultant may be a: • Neurologist – specialists in disorders of the brain and nervous system. • Geriatrician – specialists in the physical illnesses and disabilities of old age and the care of older people. • Psychiatrist – specialists in diagnosing and

treating a range of mental health conditions. • Old age psychiatrist – psychiatrists who have had further training in the mental health conditions of older people.

The consultant will work with other professionals, including nurses, social workers and occupational therapists.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Clinical psychologists assess memory, learning abilities and other skills, and can offer support. They often work with consultants in memory clinics, as part of a team.

NURSES, DISTRICT NURSES OR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH NURSES

Nurses support people in hospital, undertake procedures at the GP surgery or will be based in the community. They may make home visits, or you may meet them in a healthcare setting. They may carry out assessments in the home and offer treatment, care and support.

They are likely to be able to advise on how people with dementia, and those supporting them, can improve their quality of life and general health.

ADMIRAL NURSES

These are dementia specialist nurses. They are trained to give practical guidance and solutions alongside emotional support to people with dementia, and their family members or carers. They tailor their vast knowledge and understanding of dementia to support the unique needs of each individual and their family. Admiral Nurses can provide the emotional and psychological support that people may need.

Acting as a stepping stone to the different parts of the health and social care system, Admiral Nurses can also help to connect all aspects of care for people living with dementia and ensure that everybody’s needs are being met.

More recently, Admiral Nurses are linking with care organisations and are, themselves, supported in their professional development by Dementia UK.

For information about local Admiral Nurse services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, see ‘Admiral Nurse services’ on page 64.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS (OTs)

Adapting to an individual’s changing level of cognitive functioning is essential for maintaining and increasing the wellbeing of a person living with dementia. OTs are specialists in this area and that provides a foundation for undertaking assessments and intervention covering physical, social and mental health. GPs can refer the person living with dementia to local services.

The Dementia UK National Dementia Helpline is 0800 888 6678.

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPISTS

These therapists are able to advise on ways of communicating more effectively and on eating or drinking if the person with dementia is experiencing swallowing difficulties.

CONTINENCE ADVISERS

Some areas may have a continence adviser who can assist with continence issues. They can also give information on useful equipment, ranging from commodes to incontinence pads. The GP may make a referral to an adviser, or you may be able to get in touch directly.

DIETITIANS

A professionally qualified dietitian can provide advice and guidance about food, nutrition and issues such as a poor appetite, weight loss, weight gain, vitamins and food supplements. Your GP or consultant can arrange for a referral to a dietitian. Some dietitians may be able to offer home visits (including to care homes), while others may be based at a local health centre or hospital.

CHIROPODISTS

Maintaining mobility is much easier when you have healthy, pain-free feet. NHS chiropody (sometimes known as podiatry) can be accessed through the GP but there are restrictions on eligibility, so check with the GP first. Alternatively, consider a private chiropodist.

EARS, TEETH AND EYE PROFESSIONALS

Though these things may not be the first issues people think about if living with a diagnosis of dementia, issues with these parts of the body can greatly impact on a person’s wellbeing. They can increase levels of confusion, distress or discomfort. It is important to get checked regularly and find professionals who have an understanding of the specific health considerations of someone with dementia. A referral to an audiologist, dentist or optometrist may be made through the GP. Alternatively, you may already be in touch with these services or find them on the high street.

SOCIAL WORKERS

Sometimes referred to as care managers, social workers have specific training and qualifications. They are usually involved in assessing a person’s social care needs and eligibility for services as well as in planning, co-ordinating and advising on services to meet those needs.

CARE WORKERS

Care workers are formally trained to help with day-to-day activities such as personal care, washing and dressing, housework and emptying commodes, preparing meals, prompting to take medication at the right times and accompanying people on social activities or to appointments.