Everyone needs a break to rest and recharge the batteries – and none more than people caring for family members with dementia. It can be helpful for everyone to have a break from each other from time to time and many care providers offer short stays or live-in arrangements. Or perhaps what is needed is a holiday away together?
Respite for carers in Wiltshire
Sometimes a clever gadget can make all the difference. Assistive technology and telecare can help to support and enable people with dementia to live more independently. It is not for everyone but when the right products are found they can be very helpful.
At Dementia. information on assistive technology products
Self-help guide to assistive technology needs
Telecare providers in Wiltshire
A diagnosis of dementia will bring with it a range of emotions for the person directly affected and their whole family. There is support available to help people come to terms with the changes.
Understanding a person’s emotional needs
Talking therapies available through your GP
Content coming soon
Sometimes the best laid plans need a back up plan.
Content coming soon
Would you like some help filling in forms? Support to make sense of a seemingly bewildering set of options? Or impartial guidance when things go wrong? Advocacy services can help you make choices, get your voice heard and understand your rights. The following links will take you to organisations that can help – or point you in the right direction.
Advocacy services in Wiltshire
Wiltshire independent advocacy
Making a complaint about the NHS or a social care service
Ellen Blacker Health and Wellbeing champion in Malmesbury and Royal Wootton Bassett
It is notoriously difficult to get about in Wiltshire, but that shouldn’t stop you from doing anything. Whether you need help to get to an appointment or to keep in touch with friends, with the links below you can find some help with getting about:
Non-emergency hospital transport
Are you new to household chores because the person who usually takes care of it has a dementia? Is there just not enough time in the day to get it all done? Maybe there are specific jobs you need help with? Or is there someone you know who could do with a hand?
The links below were compiled in response to questions that came up when we asked people what they need help with. They include support with dog walking, shopping and maintenance around the home
Tasks around the house and dog walking
HandyVan – help for ex-service people
Approved tradespeople (search on this link by postcode and trade, eg plumbing, garden services)
There are a number of ways professional support can enhance your life with dementia. The term ‘Care’ encompasses everything from a few hours of companionship, someone to help with personal care tasks that have become a little difficult to full time care. Care can be delivered in many ways. Sometimes it is enough to have a few ‘gadgets’ around the home which are monitored remotely to make you feel safe. We have grouped ‘care’ into sections. You can search on these links by postcode for providers near your home.
Guide to Direct Payments to pay for care
It’s true, this site doesn’t have a whole lot of content yet, but don’t worry. Our web developers have just installed the CMS, and they’re setting things up for the content editors this very moment. Soon Roadmap will be an oasis of fresh perspectives, sharp analyses, and astute opinions that will keep you coming back again and again.
Social
It’s a good idea to stay active and carry on doing the things you have enjoyed doing in the company of others. Or why not join a group doing something completely different?
Accessible countryside walks
Activity groups run by Alzheimer’s Support Including singing, art, gentle exercise, wildlife and discussion groups
Art groups
Exercise classes
Gardening clubs
Memory Cafes
Music groups
Social groups in my area
Walking groups