What is Dementia?

Dementia is the gradual loss of mental abilities such as thinking, reasoning and remembering. It is not a disease, but symptoms such as loss of memory, confusion, and changes in personality, mood and behaviour  that may accompany some diseases or conditions affecting the brain.

Dementia usually affects older people and becomes more common with age, although it can develop in younger people. Most people who develop dementia are over the age of 60 but it's important to remember that it is not a normal part of growing old and that most older people never develop dementia.

How to get help

Who can get help?

People with a confirmed medical diagnosis of dementia, or their carers, who need help and support to maintain their independence and quality of life. However, in order to work out just how much help is needed to make life easier for you, we do need to carry out an assessment. 

What is an assessment?



After the assessment we will identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them, according to the seriousness of your situation.

If you don't qualify for a care package from Adult Social Care you could arrange to employ a care worker privately through a Home Care Agency but remember to take care to choose one that is registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Follow the link below for more information or visit the CQC website.

List of registered care agencies



How much does it cost?

There may be some cost but the actual amount you pay will depend on what services you receive.

Can I get help with the cost?

It is possible. We will help you fill out a financial assessment form to see if you qualify for financial help. To get a rough idea of costs you can call us and we'll work out a rough idea for you over the phone. To see what some of the fixed charges are and what sort of things are taken into account when working out your costs, have a look at the page:

Paying for Services provided in the Community 

We may provide or arrange services for you but there are other ways of getting the support you need. You can choose to have a Personal Budget and use the money that you receive from us to arrange your own support.

What are Personal Budgets?

 

How to get in touch

The Department of Adult Services Central Duty Team is the first point of contact for all referrals and general enquiries. You can contact them from 8.45am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and 8.45am to 1pm Saturday on 01942 828777. In an emergency, out of these hours phone 0161 834 2436.

When you contact us we'll discuss your situation over the phone, check that we've got all our facts straight and then follow this up with a visit to your home to talk about your personal and practical needs and to discuss what help is available.

Useful contacts

Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Address: Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA
Phone: 03000 616161
Fax: 03000 616172
Web: www.cqc.org.uk
Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk

how to get help