Support and resources
After the diagnosis of dementia, there will be a discussion about end of life care. An advance care planning discussion may result in one or more outcomes:
- Statement of preferences and wishes
- Advance decision to refuse treatment
- Appointment of a legal advocate - Lasting power of attorney
The recommendations included:
- Advance care planning and conversation skills training
- Completion of the ReSPECT form (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) following diagnosis, which records all information concerning emergency care planning including resuscitation status. It also records the existence of other relevant ACP documents (Advance statement, LPA, ADRT) and where to find them.
- GP training on the identification and management of dementia.
- Mandatory adult safeguarding training to include specific mention of dementia, in particular loss of capacity issues.
- When ACPs have been made it is important that those who are involved in the individual’s care know where they are kept. Key information should also be stored on an individual’s electronic health or care records.
West Yorksshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership have produced the following video to help explain it further.
The care homes pilot found that those most likely to be admitted to psychiatric hospital were as follows:
- Younger (average age - 74)
- More Mobile
- Physical aggression towards staff
- Physical aggression towards other residents
- Risk of self-neglect
- ‘Eating too little’
- No formal dementia diagnosis
- From a nursing home
The recommendations included:
- Identifying those in high risk categories that require more in-depth interventions
- Increase presence day to day in care home
- Clarity in remit of Care Home Liaison
- Multi-disciplinary working
- Expansion of resources
Dementia Connect is a free support and advice service available to anyone with dementia, their carers, family and friends. Providing practical and emotional support, a listening ear, suggestions on coping through these difficult times and advice about other services that might also be able to help.
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 9am-8pm
- Thursday and Friday: 9am-5pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am-4pm
Birmingham Carers Hub (in partnership with Age Concern Birmingham)
- Telephone: 0333 006 9711
- Email: info@birminghamcarershub.org.uk
- Website: forwardcarers.org.uk/local-services/birmingham/
Carers Emergency Back-up Service - CERS (in partnership with Midland Mencap)
- Telephone: 0121 442 2960
- Email: info@cers.org.uk
- Website: forwardcarers.org.uk/local-services/birmingham/cers
Caring for Carers Dementia Groups (In partnership with Crossroads)
- Telephone: 0121 553 6483
- Website: www.sandwellcrossroads.org
Social Care and Health
- Telephone: 0121 303 1234
- Email: acap@birmingham.gov.uk
- Website: www.birmingham.gov.uk
- Website: www.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk
Independent Age
- Telephone: 0800 319 6789
- Email: advice@independentage.org
- Website: www.independentage.org
Solihull Adult Social Care
- Telephone: 0121 704 8007 (Solihull Connect adult social care team)
- Telephone: 0121 605 6060 (out of hours)
- Website: www.solihull.gov.uk/asc
Solihull Connect (Council services)
- Telephone: 0121 704 8001 / 0121 704 6000
- Website: www.solihull.gov.uk/connect
Solihull Independent Living (adaptations aids)
- Telephone: 0121 717 1517 / 0121 717 1515
- Website: www.solihullcommunityhousing.org.uk
Carers Trust Solihull
- Telephone: 0121 788 1143
- Email: centre@solihullcarers.org
- Website: www.solihullcarers.org
Community Advice Hubs (Age UK)
- Telephone: 0121 709 7590
- Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull/services/community-advice-hubs/
Annual health checks
