Speak clearly and slowly, using short sentence.
Dementia
What is dementia?
The word ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. These changes are often small to start with, but for someone with dementia they have become severe enough to affect daily life. A person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour.
Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but not the only one. The specific symptoms that someone with dementia experiences will depend on the parts of the brain that are damaged and the disease that is causing the dementia. (Alzheimer’s Society).
What should happen when you’re diagnosed with dementia
Being diagnosed with dementia can be a big shock, and it can be hard to know what to do next.
The essential information you should get after a dementia diagnosis:
- Your type of dementia and how it will affect you.
- Any further tests, treatment, activities or therapies that might help you.
- Who will provide your care and how to contact them, including the professional who will coordinate your care.
- Support groups and charities that can help you.
- How dementia can affect your driving and what you need to do.
- How your employer should support you if you work (or are looking for work).
- Any research studies you could take part in.
Take a look at our guide to find out more
Communicating with someone who has dementia
The NHS has these useful suggestions to try and begin conversations with the person you’re looking after, especially if you notice that they’re starting fewer conversations themselves.
What to expect from health and care services after diagnosis of dementia
The Department for Health and Social Care has published information to help you understand the kind of support and services available if you have been diagnosed with dementia or are supporting someone who has.
Activities and Support in Northumberland
The 2023-24 Blue Book of Dementia Support and Services is out now. The Blue Book gives a summary of support for older people and those living with dementia in Northumberland.
Originally a guide for people in West Northumberland, the book now includes services across the county, helping to support more people than ever.
You can view or download The Blue Book below. Hard copies are available from us here at Healthwatch Northumberland, at most libraries and from Age UK Northumberland.
Please get in touch if you would like a copy in the post.
The Blue Book: Dementia support and activities in Northumberland
Age UK Northumberland Live Well with Dementia groups
Age UK Northumberland has weekly Live Well With Dementia groups for people living with dementia to enjoy fun and engaging activities, social workshops and some great chat. Venues, days and times below.
- Every Monday at Morpeth Methodist Church, 10am – 12pm
- Every Tuesday at The Round House, Ashington, 10am – 12pm
- Every Thursday at Adapt (North East), Burn Lane, Hexham, 10am – 12pm
- Every Thursday at Merton Hall, Ponteland, 10am – 12pm
- Every Saturday at Briardale House, Blyth, 10.30am – 12pm
Or join a Tuesday social group at one of the venues below for a cuppa and a chat:
- Cramlington Community Hub, 9.30am – 11.30am
- Morpeth Library, 10am – 12pm
- Blyth Community Hub, Keel Row Shopping Centre, 10am – 12pm
- The Round House, Ashington, 1pm – 3pm
- Bedlington Library, 1.30pm – 2.30pm
For more information call 01670 784 800 or email info@ageuk-northumberland.org.uk
What to do if you have concerns about memory difficulties
What is social care?
The King’s Fund has made a short animation to explain what social care is and the responsibilities of local government in providing care.
Useful Links and Information
National Dementia Hotline
DemTalk
DemTalk is a free, web-based toolkit to help improve communication with people with dementia. It was produced in a project facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Society UK, by teams of stakeholders including communication researchers, technology designers, health and social care experts, carers and people living with dementia.
Dementia Connect
Dementia Connect is Alzheimer’s Society’s comprehensive services directory for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Enter your postcode or place name to find voluntary, statutory and private services nearest and most relevant to you. Each listing includes a map and clear, essential information about that service.
Alzheimer’s Society
Advice and support on all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Dementia UK
Helping families to access care for those with dementia.
NHS Choices
A guide to symptoms, support and care of those with dementia.
UK Care Guide
Living well with dementia: weekly sessions from RVS
These weekly sessions are designed for people with mild to moderate dementia or cognitive impairment. On offer are a range of stimulating and purposeful activities that promote good physical health and mental wellbeing, such as crafts, cookery, nature-based activities, games, puzzles and gentle exercise sessions. Carers welcome.
Berwick Youth Hostel TD15 1HJ: every Monday (not Bank Holidays) 10am – 2pm.
£10 per couple (or individual and carer) per session including lunch.
Beaconhill Community Centre, Cramlington: NE23 8EH. Every Tuesday 11am – 2pm and Thursday 10am – 2pm.
£10 per couple (or individual and carer) per session including lunch.
For more information or to book email margaret.facey@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or call 07500 033349.
Magic Memories Friendship Group
Magic Memories is a social, wellbeing and friendship group for people with memory problems and their carers. The group also welcomes anyone feeling lonely and isolated who would like to start socialising again.
The group meets every other Monday from 1pm to 3pm in the church hall at Blyth Central Methodist Church, Beaconsfield Street.
There is a £2.50 fee per person which includes tea and coffee. For more information call Joanne on 07762 403 292 or join the Facebook group.
Singing for the Brain
Alzheimer’s Society holds three Singing for the Brain groups in Northumberland. All of the groups are informal, relaxed and friendly and are for anyone who has dementia or memory problems and their carers, family members and friends to come along to together. Times & venues:
Great Hall, Hexham Abbey on the first Thursday of the month, 2.30pm – 4.00pm.
Elderberries Room, The Alnwick Garden on the third Tuesday of the month, 1.30pm – 3.00pm.
Blyth Phoenix Theatre on the first Monday of the month, 1.30pm – 3.00pm.
All sessions are free; just turn up! For more information ring: 01670 813255 or email: northumberland@alzheimers.org.uk.
Please call before attending a session for the first time, as sessions are subject to change.
Admiral Nurses
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses. Continually supported and developed by Dementia UK, they provide life-changing support for families affected by all forms of dementia.
As dementia specialists, Admiral Nurses help families manage complex needs, considering the person living with dementia and the people around them. When people are struggling,Admiral Nurses help them take back control. When friends and family are worried about a loved one, they give them the confidence to manage their future with dementia.
Admiral Nurses help people living with dementia stay independent for longer – and support the people caring for them so that they will have the strength to cope with the bad days, and the energy to enjoy the good days.
Morpeth Memory Cafe
The memory cafe is held at Morpeth Methodist Church and is for people with memory problems or dementia, and their family and friends. Come along for a chat, to pick up information and to enjoy some social time with others in a similar situation to your own. No need to book, just drop in. Refreshments will be available.
The café will run on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 10.30am to 12.00pm in the coffee lounge at the Morpeth Methodist Centre, Howard Terrace, Morpeth. For further information please call the church office on 01670 511 078.
Specialist Northumberland Day Service
Dementia Matters has a specialist day service in Cramlington, providing a variety of specialised services to support and engage those affected by memory issues. The service provides much needed sensory stimulation and essential carer break relief in an environment where loved ones can relax and feel supported, to enable people to continue living in their own homes. On offer is everything from cognitive stimulation therapy to chair based exercises.
Bookings can be made for half a day up to five days a week, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. To secure a place call: 0191 217 1323.
Dementia Cafe in Berwick
HospiceCare North Northumberland runs a Dementia Cafe in Berwick twice a month at their Wellbeing Centre, Hazel Marsden House, Violet Terrace, Berwick.
The Dementia Cafe offers support and advice to those living with dementia and their carers. It is an informal group ran by HospiceCare Dementia Support Worker Doreen.
To find out more call: 01289 309 997.
HospiceCare North Northumberland and the Newcastle United Foundation are running weekly Dementia Walking Football sessions at Swan Leisure Centre in Berwick and Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre in Alnwick. The sessions end with well deserved coffee and cake.
To reserve a place call: 01289 309 997.
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