After a dementia diagnosis, the NHS says the person should have a care plan, and can ask their local council's social services for a needs assessment if they need help with everyday tasks like washing, dressing or cooking. If you care for them, you can ask the council for a carer's assessment and may be eligible for Carer's Allowance. If their care needs relate mainly to their health, they may qualify for free NHS continuing healthcare. The Lift College Dementia Awareness Training course includes supporting carers.
A care plan
The NHS says that after a diagnosis you should have a care plan, setting out what care you and the people who care for you might need. It should include:
- how you can keep doing the things that matter to you for as long as possible
- information about services that can help, and how to access them
- any health conditions that need regular monitoring
- the name of a health or social care person who coordinates your support
It should be reviewed at least once a year. Local services, such as a memory assessment service, the council and a GP, can help develop it.
A needs assessment from the council
If the person needs help with everyday tasks, the NHS advises asking the local council's social services for a needs assessment, ideally face to face, with a relative or friend there to help explain and take notes. If it finds they need help, such as a carer for washing and dressing, meals delivered at home or a personal alarm, a financial assessment then works out how much they will pay towards it.
Help for you as a carer
The NHS says if you care for someone with dementia you may be eligible for Carer's Allowance and support from your local council, and you should ask for a carer's assessment before receiving any help from the council.
NHS continuing healthcare
If a person with dementia has care needs that relate mainly to their health, the NHS says they may qualify for free NHS continuing healthcare, assessed by NHS staff.
Staying at home or moving to a care home
The NHS says many people with mild to moderate dementia can stay in their own home and live well with enough support. As symptoms get worse, many eventually need a residential or nursing home that offers dementia care.
Where this applies
This guide follows NHS guidance for England. Arrangements differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Training
Lift College Dementia Awareness Training is 1.5 hours in 5 modules, including person centred care, communication and supporting carers, with a CPD Standards Office accredited certificate the same day you pass.