The Community Dementia Support Service is a specialist service that supports people who have complex Dementia and because of their behaviour, will not engage with mainstream Dementia services.

The support we offer is split into two areas. The first is support for the person living with Dementia. We often find that due to their behaviour other services cannot offer support, and that carers are struggling to provide the care their loved one needs.

Our team of Support Workers work with our service users to build a trusting relationship over a period of six to 12 weeks. Each week we offer three hours of meaningful activities or therapeutic interventions while we look at longer-term solutions for their care.

Over time we put together a care plan that is tailored to meet their individual needs.

At the end of the support period we then reassess their needs and help signpost or refer them on to other non-NHS community services.

Our other area of support we offer is for carers whose loved ones we are supporting.

We know how tough it is caring for someone with complex Dementia, but it’s important that carers have space to focus on themselves and their own wellbeing.

The three hours of support we provide acts as respite for the carer, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being looked after.

How is the service accessed?

We only accept referrals for people who have a diagnosis of, or a working diagnosis of Dementia.

Referrals must be made via our Older Adults Community Mental Health Team, Memory Service or Older Adults Home Treatment Team. They will offer an assessment and you will be under that service while we support you.

We do not accept self-referrals. If you are in receipt of social care we will only be able to support you with home care.

You can take a look at our service eligibility and selection criteria by clicking here.