Dementia care

If you or someone you support has dementia, you can access services via your GP. Some dementia-like symptoms (cognitive impairment) can be caused by a range of emotional, physiological and physical ailments. It is important to ask your GP to check any unusual symptoms before seeking a dementia diagnosis. To obtain a diagnosis, your GP may refer you to a specialist, such as a consultant in old-age psychiatry or a community psychiatric nurse.

There are also many voluntary sector organisations providing information and support for people concerned about dementia, those diagnosed and for carers. Visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk

For local information and advice and to discuss dementia issues with a trained professional, Alzheimer’s Society’s Norfolk and Waveney helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, on: 01603 763556. For weekend and evening support, the national Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect support line operates Monday to Wednesday, 5.00pm to 8.00pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 10.00am to 4.00pm on: 0333 1503456.

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. There are steps everyone can take to reduce their risk of dementia and live healthier and more independently as they get older. If you are worried about your chances of developing dementia, discover your own risk factors and take action where you can; visit:

www.alzheimers.org.uk/riskfactors

You can request an assessment to help find out what help and support may be available to you and whether you will need to contribute to its cost. See page 78 for information about paying for your care. If you are paying for your own care, we can still help with an assessment of your needs and can advise or assist you in organising services.

Two Acres

Care Home with Nursing

212-216 Fakenham Road, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6QN

Tel: 01603 867600 Email: admin@twoacres.co.uk Two Acres is set in large landscaped gardens in Taverham, Norwich. The home specialises in dementia care, providing nursing and continuing care for older people with dementia.

The home provides proactive, quality care and has its own training centre on site. Contact us for more information on how we can help. A range of services is available to support people at home – contact Norfolk County Council. Web: www.norfolk.gov.uk/stayathome Tel: 0344 8008020 Email: information@norfolk.gov.uk

Dementia care: care homes

If the time comes when remaining at home is no longer viable, you may consider residential or nursing care. There are many homes which specialise in providing dementia care.

When visiting a home, ask if they are registered to care for people living with dementia. Ask to have a look around and use the checklist on page 73 to ask questions about the type of care provided.

A good care home will be comfortable, clean and well lit. There will be easy-to-understand signs to help people find different rooms; space for walking around; and things to do. Staff will treat people as individuals and help them with choices, so look at how they interact with people. Ask about meal choices and whether activities are organised to suit what people enjoy.

Further information about finding a care home can be found at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/carehomes and many organisations, such as Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK, have information and factsheets with advice for people choosing a care home. See page 8 for contact details as well as a list of other useful contacts operating in Norfolk.

Person-centred support for people with a learning disability in Norfolk

At home and in the community

For short breaks (respite)

Rated outstanding at our last CQC inspection (Jan 2020) www.theraeastanglia.co.uk Thera East Anglia®