Living with dementia at home

The Care Quality Commission (www.cqc.org.uk ) is responsible for checking that any care provided meets essential standards of quality and safety. Further information is on page 45.

The Homecare Association requires its members to comply with a code of practice. This code includes a commitment to treat customers with dignity and respect and operate at a level above the legal minimum required in legislation.

Social care regulations do not apply to cleaners, handymen or gardeners. However, some home care agencies are increasingly providing staff who can help meet these needs too. • assessing your care needs and tailoring a plan to meet those needs;

• advertising, interviewing and screening suitability of workers;

• arranging necessary insurance cover;

• providing training and development for care workers;

• managing workers’ pay, including compliance with the National Minimum Wage;

• managing employment relationships, including sickness, absence and disciplinary matters; and

• managing health and safety issues.

If you are concerned about persistent forgetfulness or memory difficulties, it is important to consult a GP. They can undertake an initial examination and refer you to a memory clinic for further investigation if necessary.

The various types of support available to you and your carer are likely to involve NHS services, Adult Social Care and voluntary agencies. Some examples of services and support to help people living with dementia include: • specialist day centres;

• respite care or short breaks;

• assistive technology and community alarms;

• home care;

• meals at home;

• community equipment;

• extra care sheltered housing; and

• carers’ support groups.

Family support

If you know someone who is worried about their memory, encourage them to visit their GP.

The more support you can give someone, the better life with dementia can be, especially in the early years. Focus on what the person can do, not what they cannot do, help with little errands or with cooking, listen to the person with dementia, and find out more about the condition.

When someone is living with dementia, they need: • reassurance that they are still valued and that their feelings matter; • freedom from as much external stress as possible; and • appropriate activities and stimulation to help them to remain alert and motivated for as long as possible.

People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. Dementia Friends is giving people an understanding of dementia and the small things they can do that can make a difference to people living with dementia – from helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia. See www.dementiafriends.org.uk for further information.

Respite care

Spouses, partners and relatives who care for a person with dementia may require a break from their caring responsibilities. This is known as ‘respite care’ and may be a regular break of a few hours a week or a period of a few weeks. It may be planned or be required in an emergency and can involve the person with dementia attending a day centre or a care worker visiting the person’s home to enable the carer to have a break. Contact your council to see if you are eligible for support with arranging these services. See page 14 for information on assessments.

Care at home

It can often be best for a person with dementia to stay living in their own home for as long as possible.

This may mean that they require some support services at home. The person living with dementia will respond best to the same care staff who know them well. Continuity of care can be provided by either care agencies or carers employed directly by the person or his or her family.

Specialist dementia day centres

A good day care service will be able to offer a range of activities and support that will enable the person with dementia to retain skills and remain part of their local community.

Specialist day centres for people with dementia should be organised and run with their needs in mind, aiming to build on their strengths and abilities. Activities may include outings, entertainment, personal care, meals, hairdressing and support for carers.

Attendance at day centres can be offered from just a few hours a week to several days.

Contact your council or local Alzheimer’s Society office for more details. See ‘Useful local contacts’ beginning on page 61.

Alzheimer’s Society

This leading charity works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia.

If you have concerns about any form of dementia, please contact your local office for information and support and access to local services. See page 63 for contact details.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line is available on 0333 150 3456 and can provide information, support, guidance and signposting to other appropriate organisations.

The support line is open from 9.00am to 8.00pm, Monday to Wednesday; 9.00am to 5.00pm, Thursday and Friday; and 10.00am to 4.00pm, Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on care homes for people with dementia, see page 37.