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. The Older Community Mental Health Team for South Bucks is based at Saffron House and they provide this service.
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 901309 www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
Carers Bucks
0300 777 2722
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.
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.
Carers UK list factsheets available on their website carersbucks.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. 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.
Dementia Connect
Tel: 03331 503456
The Alzheimer's Society
Dementia Connect, from Alzheimer's Society, is a new personalised support service for anyone affected by dementia. They will complete a personal profile and and forward it to the local team based in Aylesbury. Someone from the Aylesbury team will make contact to assess what help they can offer in the way of support, advice and informaiton about local services.
Alzheimer's Society produce a large number of free booklets which can be downloaded from the internet or sent by post. There is a wealth of information on the website and a link to the shop selling a wide range of aids.
www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect
Call for support on 03331 503456
Telephone lines open:
Monday-Wednesday 09:00-20:00
Thursday-Friday 09:00-17:00
Saturday-Sunday 10:00-16:00
Buckinghamshire Social Services
Directory of services available which can be requested by phoning 01296 387821. Also a Bucks online directory listing all organisations offereing a service.
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, 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.
Mon-Thurs 09:00-17:00.
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.
01863 901600
Healthy Minds
Range of free tried and tested NHS psychological therapies that help with low mood, anxiety, worry, stress, long-term health conditions and employment support.
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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
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.)