Sources of Support
Getting a Diagnosis
Memory Assessment Service
You, your GP or a friend, relative or carer may have noticed that your memory might be worse than it used to be. You may also be having difficultly with speech, or with daily tasks such as cooking, dressing, washing or remembering words. Your GP or health professional can make a referral into the Memory Assessment Service if you have concerns.
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The Memory Assessment Service is a dementia diagnostic clinic, comprising of Psychiatrists and Nurses, that has access to neuropsychological testing and neuroimaging.
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For further details about the assessment visit:
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More information
For more information about Memory Services, visit:
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For more information about CMHT, visit the Older Adult Community Mental Health Teams webpage.
0300 777 2722
Carers Bucks
Information, guidance and support is provided for carers. Information sessions are 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. They offer 1:1 support on the telephone.
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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 Park, Stoke Mandeville etc. and ensure care is in place prior to discharge.
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Carers UK list factsheets available on their website carersbucks.org
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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. You can book an appointment on live video or on the telephone to speak to an Admiralty Nurse. They also produce many publications and information guides.
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)
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.
Carents Room
Supporting Those Who Care for their Elderly Loved Ones.
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.
​Dementia Support Service
Tel: 0333 150 3456
Alzheimer's Society
The Dementia Support Service in Buckinghamshire is available for anyone who is worried about their memory or affected by dementia.
Our experienced and trained dementia advisers can help you to understand and live with dementia, give emotional support, practical advice, coping techniques and strategies. They can also signpost you to legal and financial support, based on personal circumstances and needs.
The Dementia Support Line is open seven days a week
0333 150 3456*
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Monday-Wednesday 09:00-20:00
Thursday-Friday 09:00-17:00
Saturday-Sunday 10:00-16:00
When you call a dementia adviser will talk to you about what you need and connect you to the right support for you, from local visits to telephone and online advice. ​
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Carer Support Groups
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Facilitated by a dementia adviser, the 1.5-hour sessions offer carers the opportunity to ask questions, get information and share experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
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Amersham: Second Tuesday of each month.
Aylesbury: Third Wednesday of each month.
High Wycombe: Third Tuesday of each month.
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Contact 01296 718956 or bucks.memorysupport@nhs.net for further details.
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01296 395000 - Bucks Council
Buckinghamshire Social Services
Directory of services available which can be requested by phoning 01296 387821. Also a Bucks online directory listing all organisations offering a service.
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If you need help or want to find out what support may be available, or if you're a carer who needs support, you can use the online service - https://careadvice.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/adult-social-care-services/contact-adult-social-care/.
If you are worried about someone's welfare and would like to speak to Buckinghamshire Council Adult Social Care First Response please call 01296 383204. Outside of working hours, call the Emergency Duty Team on 08009 997 677​
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.
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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.
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PALS is available Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00.
For Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust PALS email bht.pals@nhs.net.
For Wexham Park Hospital call 0300 615 3365.
For Royal Berkshire Hospital call 0118 322 8338.
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Call: 01494 324832
Healthwatch
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 including assistance if you feel yoou need to make a complaint.
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Mon-Thurs 09:00-17:00.​
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Care Advice Bucks - New Service for Carers
01296 383 204
Bucks Council is making it easier for residents to get online advice about adult social care needs and carers' support. Care Advice Bucks provides information about:
Home Care Services, Housing and Residential Equipment, Living Aids, Support for Carers, friends and family. Carers Assessments, Carers Breaks and contingency planning; Money & Benefits for Carers, Legal Rights & Advice for Carers.
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There is also specialist support from MOBILISE - a support service designed by carers for carers. It can be accessed through
support.mobiliseonline.co.uk/buckinghamshire
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0800 377 7070
First Stop Advice
FirstStop Advice - Care Choices 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 several useful leaflets available, including how to choose accommodation, staying in your own home and getting support from your local council.
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Buckinghamshire
Talking Therapies
01865 901 600
Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies
Free NHS talking therapies service providing support for anxiety and depression. A range of psychological therapies are offered to help with a number of difficulties. Clinicians can also help with the emotional impact of living with long-term conditions. You need to be over the age of 18 and registered with a Buckinghamshire GP.
Twice a year they run a 12 week program for carers of people with dementia. *
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by visiting the website - www.bucks-talking-therapies.nhs.uk
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telephone - 01865 901 600
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Text "TALK" and your name to 07798 667169
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Or via your GP or any other healthcare professional​​
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for carers of people with dementia Group *
This group is for people caring for someone with a diagnosis of dementia, who are looking for extra support with some of the emotional challenges linked to their role.
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The group lasts for 12 weekly sessions and provides a chance to meet with others in similar situations and includes advice on supporting the person you care for; new skills for managing difficult thoughts and feeling; ways to reduce stress and worry.
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You can self refer to the group by completing an online referral at : ​​
www.bucks-talking-therapies.nhs.uk or by calling the admin team on 01865 901600.
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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.
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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.
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Request and Collect Library Service 01296 382415
Home Library Service 01494 475573 homelibraryservice@buckscc.gov.uk
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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.)