What is Dementia?

Dementia is the gradual loss of mental abilities such as thinking, reasoning and remembering. It is not a disease, but symptoms such as loss of memory, confusion, and changes in personality, mood and behaviour  that may accompany some diseases or conditions affecting the brain.

Dementia usually affects older people and becomes more common with age, although it can develop in younger people. Most people who develop dementia are over the age of 60 but it's important to remember that it is not a normal part of growing old and that most older people never develop dementia.

How to get help

Who can get help?

People with a confirmed medical diagnosis of dementia, or their carers, who need help and support to maintain their independence and quality of life. However, in order to work out just how much help is needed to make life easier for you, we do need to carry out an assessment. 

What is an assessment?



After the assessment we will identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them, according to the seriousness of your situation.

If you don't qualify for a care package from Adult Social Care you could arrange to employ a care worker privately through a Home Care Agency but remember to take care to choose one that is registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Follow the link below for more information or visit the CQC website.

List of care agencies



How much does it cost?

There may be some cost but the actual amount you pay will depend on what services you receive.

Can I get help with the cost?

It is possible. We will help you fill out a financial assessment form to see if you qualify for financial help. To get a rough idea of costs you can carry out a quick, confidential financial self assessment, online.

How much will I pay for services?

 

Do you want more choice and control?

We may provide or arrange services for you but if you want more choice and control over your own money and what you spend it on then there a number of way that we can support you to do this. You can choose to:

  • Buy your own support using money given to you
  • Ask us to arrange the support you need
  • Keep getting the same support as you do now
  • Have a mix of these.

Find out more about managing your support

 

How to get in touch

The Adult Social Care Team is the first point of contact for all referrals and general enquiries. You can contact them from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday on 0161 217 6029. In an emergency, out of these hours phone 0161 718 2118.

When you contact us we'll discuss your situation over the phone, check that we've got all our facts straight and then follow this up with a visit to your home to talk about your personal and practical needs and to discuss what help is available.

Useful contacts

Please note that links to websites will open in a new window.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Address: Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA
Phone: 03000 616161
Fax: 03000 616172
Web: www.cqc.org.uk
Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk

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