Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming and raise many questions about the future. At The Good Care Group, our dementia care experts are here to guide you through this challenging time.
Understanding the next steps is crucial to ensuring the best possible care and support for your loved one. From accessing professional care services to finding emotional and practical support, we provide comprehensive guidance to help you navigate the journey ahead.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources needed to create a fulfilling and supportive environment for your loved one, ensuring they continue to live a life of dignity and comfort.
Get assessed for care and support
After a dementia diagnosis, one of the first steps is to get assessed for care and support. Your local authority is obligated to conduct a care and support needs assessment to determine the help your loved one’s require. This assessment is free of charge and aims to identify the specific support needed to improve quality of life and manage the condition effectively.
You can apply for a needs assessment through social services on the GOV.UK website. Additionally, a GP or other health or social care professional can refer you to your local authority, provided they have your consent.
For more detailed information on applying for a care needs assessment, explore our guide on social care funding.
Explore support services
Once our loved one has been assessed for care and support, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the available services in their area. Being informed and prepared will enable you to access the support they need effectively when the time arises.
Local authorities offer various services, including home care services, equipment provision, and adaptations for their homes. These services are designed to promote independence and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia.
Additionally, the NHS arranges some services, such as community nursing. Patients can obtain further information about these services from their hospital consultant or GP.
Charitable organisations like Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Dementia UK provide a wide range of support services tailored to the needs of individuals with dementia and their caregivers. These services may include helplines, support groups, day centres, shopping services, and home care.
Put your papers in order
It’s important to get important papers in order after a dementia diagnosis, starting with making a will if you haven’t already. This ensures that your money and possessions will go to the people they choose.
A person with dementia can still make or change a will, as long as they understand what they are doing and the implications of their decisions. A solicitor can provide guidance and confirm if this is the case.
Make sure all your loved one’s essential documents are easy to locate. This includes bank statements, mortgage or rental agreements, insurance policies, will, tax and pension information, utility bills, and warranties.
You might also want to set up direct debits or standing orders for regular bills. This ensures they are paid automatically from a bank account each month, helping you manage finances more easily.
Check to see if you’re entitled to any benefits
Ensure you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to.
In particular, check whether:
- You qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance. You can find more details on our page about benefits for those over State Pension age.
- Your carer, if you have one, is eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
- Other benefits you might be eligible for include Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and Pension Credit.
For more information about benefits and how to claim them, visit our guide on local authority support.
Create a lasting power of attorney
Consider appointing one or more trusted individuals as an “attorney” to manage your affairs, including finances, property, and medical treatment, should it become necessary in the future.
You can choose anyone you trust to be your power of attorney, typically a close friend or family member, as long as they are over 18 years old.
For more information about setting up a lasting power of attorney, visit our guide on power of attorney.
Inform the DVLA
While a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t always mean an immediate halt to driving, it’s crucial to inform the DVLA and your car insurance provider promptly.
Visit the official GOV.UK website to learn the necessary steps for notifying the DVLA about your condition.
Upon receiving your notification, the DVLA may reach out to your hospital consultant or GP for additional details. They might also arrange evaluations of your driving skills or eyesight to ensure continued safety on the road.
For further insights into navigating the intersection of dementia and driving, consult the resources available through the Alzheimer’s Society.
Take care of your health
Ensuring the well-being of your loved one is paramount when managing dementia.
To prioritise their health:
- Arrange a consultation with their GP if they exhibit signs of low mood or depression. While common in dementia, various treatment options, including talking therapies, may provide relief.
- Encourage them to maintain a balanced diet to support overall health.
- Incorporate regular physical activities into their routine, such as daily walks, gardening, or tai chi practice.
- Discuss with their GP the possibility of receiving flu and pneumococcal vaccines to protect against infections.
- Ensure they undergo regular dental, eyesight, and hearing examinations to maintain optimal sensory health.
- Promptly address any health concerns by consulting with their GP. Untreated issues, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), can worsen confusion or agitation if left untreated.
Explore our comprehensive dementia care advice hub for further guidance on caring for and supporting a loved one with dementia.
Plan for future care
Planning for future care is crucial after a dementia diagnosis. As dementia progresses, individuals may face increasing challenges in managing daily activities, personal care, and maintaining their overall well-being. Cognitive decline, memory loss, and changes in behaviour can make it difficult to live independently. This is why considering future care options early on ensures that the individual receives the necessary support and maintains the best possible quality of life.
Professional dementia care can provide the specialised support needed as the condition advances. The Good Care Group offers expert dementia care services tailored to each person’s unique needs. Our highly trained carers deliver compassionate, one-on-one support that allows individuals to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. This personalised approach not only addresses the physical and emotional needs of those with dementia but also offers peace of mind for their families.
Planning ahead enables you to make informed decisions about the type of care you prefer, ensuring that your wishes are respected. Whether you need help with daily activities, medication management, or emotional support, The Good Care Group is here to provide exceptional care tailored to your needs.
Take the first step in securing the future care of your loved one by exploring our dementia care services. Contact The Good Care Group today to learn more about how we can support you and your family through every stage of dementia.
