To consider:

Looking after yourself

1.  Register with your GP surgery as a carer.  You can also ask to be referred to the Social Prescriber Link Worker, as they support a range of things, including putting you in touch with local activities, groups, and organisations for social and leisure activities.

2.    Carers Assessment – contact the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub who can help you access respite opportunities and Adult Social Services via County or City – This will assist you to obtain a Carers Assessment and their respite care monies.

Dementia Advisers can provide several support strategies and tools to enable you in the present and the preparation for the future.

Planning Ahead

1.   Update Wills and apply for the two Lasting Power of Attorneys for Property and Finance, plus Health and Welfare (Alzheimer’s Society have a Digital Service which can assist in completion for free – only cost is when you pay the registration fee).

2.    The RESpect form, discuss with the Person Living with Dementia, along with their wishes on Advance Statements on Treatment, with their GP, they can be changed and updated, over time.

3.   Emergency Carer Action Plan and Card – these can be accessed and supported for completion by the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub and or Adult Social Services.  A Dementia Adviser can assist.

4.    Contact your energy and water companies to make them aware that an individual lives at your property that comes under the Vulnerable/Priority Adult – category.

5.   It is useful to create a ‘Grab Bag’ for emergencies, which is easily accessible/found; include items such as:  This is Me, a full Medication List, night wear, change of underwear, wash kit, small towel.  This is Me forms can be accessed from the Alzheimer’s Society – see useful numbers and websites below.

6.    You can get a sunflower lanyard for hidden disabilities online or from major superstores, this will enable staff to identify unseen disabilities and support if necessary.

7.    Attendance Allowance, PIP benefits, Council Tax reduction/exemption (local council).  Discuss further with a Dementia Adviser, who can refer onto service such as Benefit Connect.

8.   Pegasus and Herbert Protocols forms aid with contact with the emergency services.   The Pegasus card is for the Person living with dementia, so if they call 999 their details can be found, and it aids with them obtaining help.  Herbert helps if they become missing.

9.   Contact the Fire Service for a Safe and Well Check, fire safety check and so much more. If you must leave your love one home alone let them know.

Driving

If your loved one is still driving – please ensure contact is made with the DVLA with regards to updating them regards receiving a diagnosis of dementia, also ensure a call to the insurance company is made to inform them.

Relevant / Useful numbers and Websites

Alzheimer’s Society:  Dementia Wellbeing Service for Nottinghamshire

                  Dementia Support for Nottinghamshire and Nottingham – 0333 150 3456

                  www.alzheimers.org.uk

Benefit Connect Service:

                  01623 675402 – Bassetlaw

                  0115 844 0011 – Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (except Bassetlaw)

Nottinghamshire Carers Hub – company name Carers Federation:

                  0808 802 1777     www.carersfederation.co.uk

Adult Social Services

                  0300 131 0300 - Nottingham City

                  0300 500 8080 – Nottinghamshire County (Golden Number – access multi services)

Samaritans

                  0845 790 9099 – 24-hour help line

Domestic Violence – TOPAZ Centre    

                  0800 085 9993 – 24- hour helpline

Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service

                  0115 838 8100 – General enquiries 8.30am – 4.30pm

                  https://www.notts-fire.gov.uk/community/safety-in-your-home/