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Supporting people with dementia to maintain independence this World Alzheimer's Month

Kim Hopley

There are lots of support services in Warwickshire to provide help for those diagnosed with dementia and their loved ones.

Did you know, there are over 8000 estimated to be living with dementia in Warwickshire? And that number does not include those caring for people with the condition.

Early diagnosis of dementia can help people to make sense of the symptoms and access support and guidance as soon possible, it allows for:

  • The person living with dementia and their family to seek out informed advice and get a better understanding

  • Identifying the type of support that will work best for them

  • Allowing everyone to make informed decisions and plan for the future

For those in the early stages of dementia who are able to live independently, there is assistive technology available to support them. There are many different types of assistive technology, from memo-minders that can announce a pre-recorded message to remind people to do something, to items that can help around the home or whilst out and about.

AskSARA is a self-help guide that can support people in identifying equipment, gadgets and technology that could be useful to maintain their independence. Find out more here:

There are a number of dementia support groups and activities from Dementia Cafes to art workshops that can help Warwickshire residents adjust to their dementia diagnosis and relate to others. Learn more about these here:

Dementia Connect in Warwickshire is a service provided by Alzheimer’s Society and is funded by the Warwickshire County Council. It is a personalised service for anyone with dementia, their carers, family, and friends. The service can connect you with free support and advice available by phone and online. It can offer emotional and practical support, a listening ear, suggestions on coping through these difficult times, and advice about other services that may also be able to help. To get support you can:

Warwickshire County Council’s Living Well with Dementia website also provides support and practical advice to everyone and can help those living with dementia as well as those who support someone with dementia to understand more about the condition, prepare for the future and access other services.