QUALITY STANDARDS

As the dementia progresses the person living with dementia may become angry or depressed, reducing their wellbeing and making it difficult for those that support for them. There are therapies available which can help improve the way they feel.

Your GP has more information about available psychological therapies and can help you decide if they are right for you and the person you care for. However, you can self-refer to these psychological services, known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (often shortened to IAPT).
 
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You may find it beneficial to attend local community groups to build social contacts with other people living with dementia and their carers’. A variety of different groups are available at a range of times and locations to meet different individual interests and support needs. You will be able to ask questions about how to access support and learn from the experiences of others. The friendship and companionship these groups offer can help you feel less isolated and keep you better informed of services and resources.
 
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Social prescribing is a way for local agencies to refer people to a link worker. Link workers give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to them’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support, link workers also support existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable, and help people to start new groups, working collaboratively with all local partners.
Social prescribing is used where people can live better by improving social and environmental aspects of their lives. For example, social prescriptions might encourage people to live better by being active in their local community by volunteering, befriending or doing activities provided by community organisations.
 

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Presently, there is no pharmacological cure for dementia, though research is ongoing in many areas.

Music has a valuable role to play in enhancing quality of life for people living with the syndrome, and their carers. It has the power to bring people together in the here and now, providing a way to stay connected with loved ones and carers through shared experiences.

It can enliven, stimulate and enable people to express themselves creatively beyond words. This involvement enables people to be seen for who they are beyond their diagnosis.
 
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Services which provide support for people living with dementia should also support you as a carer. This includes a review of your needs to ensure that you're receiving the right support. Your GP will hold a register recognising that you are a carer of your relative with dementia.
If you care for somebody with dementia you can contact the Memory Assessment Service to ask about what support they have available for carers in your area.
 
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If you care for somebody with dementia your health and wellbeing is equally important, both for your own wellbeing and for your ability to continue caring. Services and support should include you and work to ensure that your quality of life is as high as possible.
 
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Caring for somebody living with dementia can be very difficult. The changes which can come with a caring role can cause stress and it often takes time to adjust.
Therefore, you may need help adjusting to becoming a carer. Speaking to others can help you focus on your needs. Support should be available to help you learn and understand more about being a carer.
 
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A dementia-friendly society is a place where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported.

In a dementia-friendly society people will be aware of and understand dementia, so that people with dementia can continue to live in the way they want to and in the community they choose.
 
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You may find that continuously caring for a loved one with dementia becomes a struggle. Even though you wish to continue caring for them you would welcome a few days for yourself to unwind and relieve stress.
The local authority may offer short breaks or overnight respite for your loved one to be cared for by in-home services or in a care home.
 
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This pathway enables the person with dementia and their family to manage their own health and care, adopting a number of strategies and accessing resources. Enabling you and your family and friends to build on your strengths and what you know is working for you, should be the approach of all doctors, care staff, dementia advisors.
 
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