We know that it can be difficult to find out who can help and what’s going on in your local area so we have provided below some contact details of local and national organisations that offer support and information.
Dementia peer support resource launched
The pack brings together in one place evidenced-based resources to help community groups and funders set up and run peer support groups, as well as guidance on how to make older people groups more dementia-friendly.
It includes films, case studies, policy and research related to the benefits of peer support, as well as resources on funding, staff training and evaluation of groups. It has been developed for the statutory, community and voluntary sectors that are working with, or commissioning/funding services for people with dementia. Age UK and the Mental Health Foundation also contributed resources.
The resource pack introduces the concept of a ‘Peer Support System’ that recognises the value of social opportunities for people with dementia to meet others in the community.This is what Together Dementia Support has started to do and would like to develop further in Manchester. Have a look for yourself by clicking on the link below. You can hear what people with dementia and their carers think: http://www.hin-southlondon.org/resources/peersupportpack
Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society: has a comprehensive website, with factsheets, a chat room, National Helpline and lots more www.alzheimers.org.uk; there are also local services provided by the Manchester office of Alzheimer’s Society: 0161 342 0797
Manchester Health & Social Care Trust
Manchester Health & Social Care Trust: this is the local NHS trust that has responsibility for the specialised care and support of people with dementia. They run the diagnostic Memory Clinics/Services and also community Mental Health Teams and inpatient wards. Your GP will refer you on if he/she thinks this is needed. www.mhsc.nhs.uk ; The trust headquarters can be contacted by telephone on : 0161 882 1000
Manchester Carers’ Forum
Manchester Carers’ Forum: MCF runs a range of services and general support groups for carers of people with dementia. Specifically for carers of people with dementia, they run a Befriending Services so that you can have regular visits or phone calls from someone who knows about caring and dementia. www.manchestercarersforum.org.uk ; 0161 819 2226
Manchester Adult Social Care (Social Services)
Manchester Adult Social Care (Social Services): If you want to get information or ask for an assessment to receive either homecare, daycare, respite or residential care, you should ring the Contact Centre: 0161 3234 5001
Resources
Books
Contented Dementia – Oliver James, pub. 2008
An approach to supporting the person with dementia by accepting and relating to the way that they see and understand the world. Some experts don’t agree with this “collusion” but some carers have said it helps their relative to feel secure and content
My Bonnie – John Suchet, pub. 2010
A personal and intimate love story, written by Suchet, about the changing relationship with his wife as she became more impaired with Alzheimer’s Disease. A sad story but valuable because it is written by a husband caring for his wife.
Where Memories Go – Sally Magnusson, pub. 2014
The biography of Mamie Magnusson (married to Magnus, “Mr Mastermind”!). A helpful story of how Mamie’s daughters supported her through her decline. Sally describes her mother’s varying moods and how she often used singing and favourite music to get through difficult personal care tasks.
Dear Dementia – Ian Donaghy, pub. 2014
A short, heart-warming pictorial book that combines thoughts and images of people affected by dementia. It might reflect what you or your relative is feeling and balances hopefulness and positivity with the frustration and sadness.
DVD’s
Work & Leisure
Childhood – both produced by Pictures to Share www.picturestoshare.co.uk
These short DVDs have been produced for people with dementia who may enjoy uplifting and soothing images, set to music. They might help you to reminisce with your relative or give him/her something accessible to watch on the TV.