Sources of Support
Getting a Diagnosis
NHS Oxford Health
Once you have seen your GP about dementia/memory problems they can refer you for an assessment at the Memory Clinic, Saffron House, Easton Street, High Wycombe, HP11 1NH. This is run by Oxford NHS and is essentially a diagnostic service which follows up with a recommendation on medication. Part of the diagnosis process will usually involve an MRI scan which may be at Stoke Mandeville.
Once the Memory Clinic has carried out the diagnosis, they will refer you to the Memory Support Services, part of the Alzheimer’s Society, who are commissioned to provide follow-up support for Bucks.
Tel: 01865 901465 www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
0300 777 2722
Carers Bucks
Information, guidance and support is provided for carers with information sessions held in many Bucks towns, including Liston Hall, Chapel Street, Marlow.
Visit their website under Services or telephone them for support groups on Lasting Power of Attorney, Mindfulness, First Aid, Carer Essentials, Working with Professionals, Understanding Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Offer 1:1 support on the telephone.
A Support Worker from Carers Bucks is assigned to each of our local hospitals. Call the main number above so that you can get advice from the person assigned to Wexham, Stoke Mandeville etc. and ensure care is in place prior to discharge.
Carers UK list factsheets available on their website www.carersuk.org
0800 888 6678 helpline
Dementia UK
A national charity committed to providing quality of life for all people affected by dementia. The charity provides Admiral nurses - specialist dementia nurses who provide practical and emotional support to family carers of people living with dementia. Although there are currently no Admiral nurses in Buckinghamshire, many people have found their helpline to be very useful.
01296 431911
0800 678 1602
(8am - 7pm, 365 days)
Age UK Bucks
Has a quarterly magazine available online or by phoning, as above. It also offers a range of help services, including help in the home, handyman services, hairdressing, foot care, etc. There is also a telephone befriending service, telephone 01296 431911.
Age UK (National)
Their website has a wealth of information on a vast range of subjects, from legal help, social befriending services, healthcare and benefits. They issue many Information Guides and Factsheets. Their advice line, as above, will refer you on the phone to a specialist adviser who can help with more in-depth advice.
The Alzheimer's Society
Tel: 0333 150 3456
The Alzheimer's Society produce a large number of free booklets which can be downloaded or obtained through the post. ‘The Dementia Guide’ (174 pages) gives a wealth of information and there are many other free booklets available. There is a wealth of information on the website and a link to the shop selling a wide range of aids, such as easy to use TV remotes, clocks, jigsaw puzzles etc.
Dementia Connect, Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia support service is free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with support/advice. Face to face visits available. http://alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect
Call for support on 0333 150 3456.
Telephone lines open:
Monday-Wednesday 9.00 am – 8.00 pm
Thursday-Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Saturday-Sunday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
There is also a link on the website to their Talking Point Service which is run by staff and volunteers. It is an on-line chat service and discussion forum. They welcome new members and point people to support/advice. You can also share your problems with others, link to discussions, podcasts and videos. http://alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/talking -point-our-online-community-what-talking-point
Alzheimer's Society Bucks
Telephone 01296 331749 to speak to a memory support worker or email bucks.memorysupport@nhs.net.
They offer a memory screening service which can be accessed directly or via your GP. They will then refer back to the GP as appropriate for a referral to the diagnostic services at Saffron House for a medical diagnosis.
They have an Information Worker who facilitates the Dementia Information and Support Services for people with a recent diagnosis. Memory Information sessions for people with memory concerns, a Carer Support Group, Information and Support sessions for Carers, Memory Information sessions for the public, and Singing for the Brain (presently on-line). Contact Sue 07712 692467 or email suzanne.strange@alzheimers.org.uk
0800 377 7070
First Stop Advice
FirstStop Advice is an independent, impartial and free service offering advice and information to older people, their families and carers on housing and care options for later life. They have a number of useful leaflets available, including how to choose accommodation, staying in your own home and getting support from your local council.
Buckinghamshire Social Services
They publish a directory of services available which can be requested by phoning 01296 387821.
For information and paying for care, contact the Directory Helpline 0800 3892077.
01296 395000
01296 316042
PALS - The Patient Advice and Liaison Service
PALS is essentially a customer service team for the hospitals and can help with the following :
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Help you to resolve concerns or problems when you are using the NHS.
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Tell you how to get involved in your own healthcare.
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Explain the NHS complaints procedure, including how to get independent help making a complaint.
PALS can be particularly helpful if you need action immediately, such as a problem while in hospital or with an upcoming appointment. However, PALS cannot provide clinical advice and if you require medical attention you should always contact your GP, dial 111, or attend A&E.
PALS is available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
For Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust PALS call 01296 316042 or email bht.pals@nhs.net.
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Call: 01844 348839
Healthwatch Mon-Thurs 9.00am–5.00pm
Healthwatch offers advice and information about access to local care services. It can give advice and information for example, about how to choose a care home or get physiotherapy through the NHS. It will also offer help in understanding what you can expect from the NHS.
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01296 484322
Prevention Matters
Prevention Matters works with GP surgeries, but you can self-refer online or over the phone. They offer a free programme of support of practical solutions to social and health problems that may be beginning to affect lives.
The practice workers meet with the person with dementia and carers to develop a plan of action, and then support them to make it happen. This can include advice on getting equipment, obtaining care either at home or in a care home, or getting financial support for a personal budget. They will visit up to six times over an eight-week period.
Call: 01296 382415
Marlow Library
The library holds a wealth of information and leaflets, including many from the Alzheimer’s Society, and local groups.
Request and Collect Library Service 01296 382415
Telephone and a librarian will help you to order books and you can collect from High Wycombe Library.
Home Library Service 01494 475573 homelibraryservice@buckscc.gov.uk
This service is for Buckinghamshire residents who are housebound and unable to visit a library due to age, illness or disability. Carers who are unpaid are also eligible. This service could benefit dementia clients by keeping their minds active. The Home Library Service is a free monthly service delivered to your home, at a suitable time for you, by volunteers.
0800 4 70 80 90 (24 hours)
The Silver Line
Founded by Esther Rantzen, The Silver Line offers a free, confidential helpline providing information friendship and advice to older people, 24 hours x 7 days a week. (Merged with Age UK.)
Dementia Action for Marlow (DAM) has amassed all information independently of the organisations cited, with details being collated and recorded as accurately as possible. If you become aware of any discrepancies or updates, please contact Dementia Action f Marlow contact@dementiaactionmarlow.org or leave a message on 01628 482808.