It is estimated that over 14,000 people are living with dementia in Devon. If you are worried about your own or someone else’s memory, contact your, or their GP. The GP may then refer you to a Memory Clinic for diagnosis, treatment and support with dementia.
Dementia in Devon
For anyone in Devon with a diagnosis of dementia, the Devon and Torbay Dementia Advice Service offers expert practical advice and support for them, their families and carers.
The NHS Dementia Choices website also has useful links and information for relatives and carers.
The SCIE (Social Care Institute for Excellence) has many useful tools and information. It highlights how people with dementia can still be alert and aware of their condition, and how caring and supportive relationships help people to cope with this difficult experience.
Devon Memory Cafe Consortium
Devon Memory Cafes are local, friendly dementia support groups. They aim to support people living with dementia and their Carers through the Memory Cafe movement – making sure that they have access to peer support, information and advice and meaningful activities.
Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline
If you need information, advice and support with any aspect of dementia, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re here to support you.
The specialist dementia nurses on our free, confidential dementia helpline are here for you when you need help. Whatever you’re worried about, they have the time to listen and the knowledge to solve problems.
They can help you understand more about dementia and feel more in control, giving you the tools and the confidence to manage your future with dementia together – one step at a time.
Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline – Dementia UK
Support for you if you look after someone, you are a carer
There’s a range of support for Carers including personal care, practical help, emotional support, help with managing behaviour or relationships.
If you need dementia support, we’re here for you. We know dementia affects everyone differently. So whether you, a loved one, a friend or neighbour is affected by dementia, we’re here to support you.
Dementia Friends
Gina Awad from Exeter Dementia Action Alliance has made some short films about dementia awareness and how you can support someone with dementia.
In this film Gina talks about Dementia Friends and how small changes can help people with dementia to live well.
In this film Gina discusses dementia friendly communities and how local businesses can make life easier for people with dementia.
Dementia Friendly Communities
Dementia Friendly Communities are places where people with dementia, their carers and families feel confident and supported to continue with their everyday lives and be included in the community. It’s a place where residents, shopkeepers and the general public understand what dementia is.
Each has their own ideas to build their own Dementia Friendly Community. A group of people who represent various perspectives including shops, elected councillors, organisations and medical professionals form a committee to plan and co-ordinate a set of actions to work towards which respond to the needs of local people.
Find a Dementia Friendly Community near you.
The Local Government Association, with Innovations in Dementia, has produced guidance for councils on creating dementia friendly communities.
The Dementia Action Alliance provides a variety of toolkits and guides.