Physical disabilities

County Council area who have received a diagnosis of dementia. The service, provided by Andover Mind, focuses on wellbeing rather than illness and offers support and advice. Tel: 01264 332297 (option three). Web: www.hants.gov.uk (search ‘dementia advice service’).

Iridis app

This app, developed by the University of Stirling, can make simple suggestions about adaptations to your environment that can improve the quality of life for people living with dementia. Web: www.stir.ac.uk (search ‘Iridis’).

My House of Memories app

An easy-to-use app designed for, and with, people living with dementia and their families and carers. It allows you to explore objects from the past and share memories together. Web: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk (search ‘my house of memories app’).

Remind Dementia Service

If you have been diagnosed with dementia and live in the PO1 to PO6 area or have a GP within PO1 to PO6, this service can help you. Tel: 0330 332 4030 Web: www.solentmind.org.uk/support-for-you (select ‘Our services’ then ‘Remind’).

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust

Provides multi-professional assessment and treatment for people living with dementia across Hampshire. Runs Memory Matters courses for people with dementia and their carers living in Hampshire and Southampton. Tel: 023 8087 4000 Web: www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/our-services (select ‘Mental Health Services’ then ‘Memory matters courses’).

Sunflower Lanyard

The Sunflower Lanyard was introduced at major UK airports in 2018 to allow passengers with hidden disabilities to indicate discreetly to staff that they may need additional support or help. The use of the lanyard has spread and is now available from several transport providers. You can pick up a free lanyard at Tesco or M&S. Alternatively, search ‘sunflower lanyard for hidden disabilities’ in any online search engine.

This is me

A simple leaflet for anyone receiving professional care who is living with dementia or experiencing other communication difficulties. It can be used to record details about a person who can’t easily share information about themselves. Tel: 0333 150 3456 Web: www.alzheimers.org.uk (search ‘this is me’).

A physical disability is any type of physical condition that significantly affects the way you can carry out certain everyday tasks or activities. The types of physical disabilities, their causes, and the way in which they impact a person’s life are wide-ranging.

Physical disabilities can be the result of congenital birth issues, accidental injury or illness. If you would like to learn more about a specific disability or related condition, a good source of information is the A-Z on the NHS website (www.nhs.uk/conditions ).

You may have more than one physical condition. Additionally, a particular condition might be disabling to one person but not the next. The key aspect in defining physical disability is not whether you have a specific condition, it is how that physical condition affects your daily life.

Living with a physical disability

If your condition is affecting your mobility or your ability to carry out certain daily tasks, there is a lot of support, information and advice available:

• Visit Connect to Support Hampshire’s Community

Directory for local and national activities and support (www.connecttosupporthampshire.org. uk/directories – select ‘Choose your category’ then ‘Specific needs’ and ‘Physical disabilities’).

• See the section in this Guide on ‘Looking after yourself’ for information and advice about help