Services
Memory Problems & Dementia
If you are worried about your memory, or you have dementia, and you live in Gloucestershire, we can help.
About memory problems and dementia
Dementia is a common condition. Your risk of developing dementia increases as you get older, and the condition usually occurs in people over the age of 65.
Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. This includes problems with:
- memory loss
- thinking speed
- mental agility
- language
- understanding
- judgement
Young Onset Dementia
Dementia is considered ‘young onset’ when it affects people under 65 years of age. It is also referred to as ‘early onset’ or ‘working age’ dementia. As well as the other services listed in this document that people can access, people with Young Onset Dementia may also be able to access support from a Specialist Young Onset Dementia Nurse who works within the Managing Memory Together service.
The Alzheimer’s Society also has a Young Onset Dementia Activity (YODA) group that meets monthly. For more details contact Alzheimer’s Society on 01452 525222
Getting help
If your’re worried about your own or someone else’s memory, it is important to seek help quickly.
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s memory you should seek advice from your GP in the first instance.
There are lots of reasons for memory problems so it is always good to get things checked out by your doctor. Many of the things that cause memory problems can be treated.
It is important to see your doctor if:
- Your memory has changed significantly or rapidly from what is ‘normal’ for you
- Your memory has been getting steadily worse over a period of time
- Your memory is causing new problems in your life, such as difficulty managing money, or forgetting important appointments
- You are noticing other problems too, such as changes in your mood or behaviour, having difficulty following conversations, or trouble performing familiar tasks.
Write a list of the things that worry you and take it with you to the doctor.
If you feel unable to talk to your GP about your own or a family member’s memory problems, you can also contact our memory service directly. We will provide advice on next steps which may include arranging an appointment with the memory assessment team.
This Dementia Information Sheet is intended to give a general overview of support services for people with dementia and carers of people with dementia.
More information to help understand dementia and how to support people living with dementia can be found in this leaflet, produced by Gloucestershire County Council.
Our teams and services
Where to find us, and which services can help you.
The CCG also has some useful information on Living Well with dementia.
You may find The Gloucestershire Living Well Handbook useful.
Information for BAME communities
Below are a selection of videos containing dementia information and support for BAME communities in Gloucestershire:
Video in English
Video in Gujarati
Video in Cantonese
Video in Polish
Information for carers
Carers and families provide a vital support network but are at greater risk of experiencing mental and physical health problems and emotional stress themselves due to the demands of being a carer. As well as providing care and treatment for the people who use our services, we are also here to support you. If you have a problem, if something is worrying you, or if you are confused about how to get help, then please talk to us.
On this page you will find information about your involvement in the care we provide to your relative or friend and information about support for you in your caring role.
Group sessions for carers
Sessions run by Managing Memory Together are held at a number of venues across Gloucestershire throughout the year. The sessions offer a friendly environment where people with dementia and their carers can share experiences and learn more about dementia. Practical ideas are also explored to deal with the changes and challenges that a diagnosis brings
Sessions include:
Living Well with Dementia Part One and Two for people at early stage dementia and family members/friends that support them
Understanding Dementia, Brain and Behaviour and Positive Communication for family members/friends of people with dementia
Each session lasts two hours with a break for refreshments.
All our sessions are FREE and we can help where needed with replacement care and travel costs.
The sessions are delivered by Memory Assessment and Community Dementia Nurses, Consultant Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists
A trained support worker is also available at each session
For help and advice and to register for information sessions contact us now: 0800 694 8800.
Please note: Face to Face sessions are not currently available.
We also offer a programme ‘Learning about Dementia Together’ providing online sessions for carers of people with dementia.
There are three sessions in the Learning about Dementia Together programme for Carers: About dementia, Dealing with changes and Positive Communication.
The sessions explore what dementia is and how it affects people, as well as discussing ideas for coping with the changes in the person with dementia. The sessions also provide information on local services and support in Gloucestershire.
You can choose to join us for three morning sessions, three evenings, or a mixture of both.
To find out dates and to book places please contact Managing Memory Together.
Click here to view the dates and times for sessions from April to July 2021.
Telephone: 0800 694 8800 or email managingmemory@ghc.nhs.uk
Carers support is also available through Gloucestershire Carers Hub – see their website for full details of the services they offer
www.gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk
Telephone: 0300 111 9000
Estimated carers in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire
Information for professionals
Contact Centre: for Crisis, Community, Older Persons and Learning Disabilities Services 0800 015 1499
The centre will screen referrals and direct them to the most appropriate service. Qualified Mental Health Clinicians will be available to give advice and guidance. Referrals can be made via fax, letter or by telephone. Referrals accepted from GPs and other healthcare professionals in consultation with client’s GP. The Contact Centre will also advise on the appropriate service to refer to.
Referrals for patients requiring memory assessment. Please refer to the Memory Assessment Guidance sheet or talk to the Community Dementia Nurse attached to your surgery 0800 694 8800
Gloucestershire has developed services in line with national initiatives such as Living Well with Dementia: A National Dementia Strategy and the Dementia Challenge.
The Local Action Plan can be viewed here, together with the Primary Care Dementia Pathway.
Further help and support
Living with a Memory Loss Condition
It might be useful to see the NHS Guidelines for possible treatments.
Treatments
It might be useful to see the NHS Guidelines for possible treatments.
News
News stories linked to dementia and related conditions.
Dementia Action Week – May 13-19
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Congratulations to Ward Sister Lucinda (Lou) Williams on scooping the ‘Seeing Me Award’ at this year’s South West Integrated Personalised Care Awards. Lou, who specialises in dementia care, was celebrating with her colleagues on Abbey View Ward at Tewkesbury Community Hospital this morning, after picking up the award at last night’s glittering ceremony at Darlington Hall in Totnes, Devon.
