Dementia
The term dementia refers to a group of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with planning, problem-solving or language.
What to do if you are worried about someone
See the recommended websites below to find out about diagnosis, help for people with dementia and their families or carers, and treatments which may lessen the symptoms.
Social Care Institute for Excellence
Local services
Support services for people with dementia
Independence Matters is a not-for-profit company that offers a range of services for people and carers, such as personal assistance in the home and out and about, supported living ranging from light touch to 24-hour help, respite breaks and day centres.
Help around the home
We can point you to a number of private and voluntary organisations that can help people with dementia with household jobs, such as cleaning, bathing and shopping.
Services for carers
If you are caring for someone with dementia we can make sure you are getting the right sort of help to assist you with their care.
Reminiscence packs from libraries
Packs with a variety of objects such as photos and CDs, as well as books and conversations cards, can be taken out on loan. They are used to trigger memories using different senses and are beneficial for people with memory loss and communication difficulties.
Alzheimer's Society
Norfolk Dementia Helpline 01603 763 556
Dementia support workers offer information and practical guidance to help people understand dementia, cope with day-to-day challenges and prepare for the future. Information can be provided on Alzheimer's Society services such as Dementia Cafés, Activity Groups or Peer Support Groups. Information can also be provided on a wide range of services accessible for people affected by Dementia across Norfolk. Visit the Alzheimer's Society website to find details of support near you.
Dementia Friends
We are supporting the national Dementia Friends campaign, which is a bid by the Alzheimer's Society to create one million Dementia Friends to help people develop a better understanding of the condition.
Dementia friendly communities
The Department of Health has issued a national challenge to communities to help people with dementia and their carers tackle problems they face when trying to manage day to day within their local community.
Age UK Norfolk are rolling out this initiative across Norfolk. Find out what is happening in your local area and how you can get involved.Find out what is happening in your local area and how you can get involved.
What to do if you're worried about someone you care for going missing
The Herbert Protocol
Some people with dementia can be more at risk of going missing. If this happens to someone you look after, it will help if you're prepared.
Norfolk Police recommend you follow the Herbert Protocol. The protocol outlines what things police need to know about a person if they're looking for them.
There's a simple template you can fill in and keep, which can then be given to the police if they're looking for someone you care for. This will save crucial time in their search.
You can find out details of the Herbert Protocol and a template at the bottom of this Norfolk Police page.
How technology can help
There are also simple electronic devices you can use to help keep track of someone. Our Assistive Technology service can help you find the right device, show you how to use it and supply it to you. Find out how our Assistive Technology service can help you.