Asking for help can be difficult but we can’t know what to do in every situation. Dementia is not like anything we have had to deal with before and therefore can lead to many questions.
Here we have put together a list of organisations who specialise in offering support, information and advice following a dementia diagnosis.
Alzheimer’s Society
Offering 1-2-1 support for people with dementia, their carers, family and friends. They run local groups and signpost to local organisations.
01458 251541
Admiral Nurses
Offer specialist dementia support for people with dementia and/or their carers. Also assist in accessing grants and specialist holidays. Available to anyone who has served in the British Armed Forces or their partners.
0808 8208080
Somerset Carer’s Service
Provides support, advice and information to carer’s of people with mental health issues in Somerset.
Also offers Carer’s Assessments to identify an additional assistance you may be entitled to.
01749 836606 or 01749 836633
Carers UK
Practical and legal support for carers.
A national charity supporting carer’s rights. Also has a helpline and lots of support on their website.
0808 808 7777 (Mon & Tues only)
Health Connections Mendip
Connected to GP surgeries. They offer 1-2-1 support and run various groups throughout Mendip.
01373 468363
Age UK Somerset
Offers lots of services for older people. Including: toenail cutting service, information and advice, befriending and ageing well sessions.
01823 345610
VCFSE Dementia Partnership
An informal partnership between Somerset County Council, Voluntary Organisations, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, Alzheimer’s Society and Somerset NHS Partnership Foundation Trust. Offering information and signposting.
Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector in Somerset
The Reconnect Team
The Reconnect Team offers free support for people living independently who suffer with dementia or memory loss.
To qualify for their service, you must live in Somerset, be over 65 with memory issues. Support will be given for people to continue to live as safely and independently as possible, in their own home. The same support worker will visit weekly and offer support to deal with paperwork, claiming for any benefits that the person could be entitled to, avoid scams, set up direct debits etc. We also support with advice on property maintenance, home and personal safety and can investigate leisure facilities.
If you know someone who could benefit from this service, view the website below or get in touch via the contact details.
07971963027https://www.rethink.org/help-in-your-area/services/housing/reconnect-floating-support-service-somerset/
Other Resources
Dementia Books Collection – A range of dementia related books including books for children and fictional books available in most libraries.
BBC Music Memories – designed to help people with dementia connect with their most powerful memories.