Who we’re here for
We work with two groups of people:
- Families who are caring for a relative at home.
- Nursing home teams.
The service is available to families and care staff working with people whose diagnosed dementia is causing them to behave in ways that their carers find challenging.
Referrals are usually made by health professionals such as GPs, psychiatrists, community psychiatric nurses, or social workers.
How we help
We know that caring for someone with dementia can be very hard work.
We also know that some people with dementia find it hard to communicate, can mistake what is going on around them, and can behave in ways which are difficult to cope with.
Such behaviours can include:
- Being aggressive, with words or physical violence.
- Having an unsettled sleep-pattern (up through the night).
- Repeatedly asking the same questions or doing the same actions.
- Frequently wandering out of the house, alone and unsafe.
- Unwelcome sexual behaviour.
- Not caring about personal hygiene, or getting very upset when being assisted to meet these needs.
- Constantly following or ‘shadowing’ other people.
By giving practical advice and hands-on support, we aim to reduce the impact on caregivers and, where possible, prevent the challenges from happening in the first place.
We want to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of the person with dementia, and of the people caring for them.
The support we offer
Whether at home or in a nursing home, we work with carers of people who have a diagnosis of dementia.
We understand that every case is different; it will take longer than one visit to develop an action plan. After the assessment, we will create a personal package that is suited to your circumstances.
We will spend time with you, support you, and show you how best to care for the person with dementia – and specifically how to approach their behaviours.
We provide:
- A full assessment.
- Advice and hands-on support.
- Training and education.
- Follow-up support.
We aim to leave you with better ways to manage within 12 weeks.
The referral process
Once we receive a referral, we will contact you within 72 hours. During the initial conversation, we will offer help and arrange a suitable time to visit.
We understand that caring for someone with dementia is a 24-hour job, and sometimes it is during the early hours and through the night when help is most needed. In these circumstances, we can plan a visit at a time that suits you.
We may ask you some questions about any help you have received up to this point, and what you are finding challenging. On our first visit, you will meet at least two members of our team.
We will work with you to create aims and goals and to find out as much as possible about the person with dementia – this allows us to identify the best way to help you.
How to access the service
If you are a carer for someone who has dementia and think that we might be able to help you, please get in touch and we will advise you how to contact the right professional to refer you.
We will respond within two working days.
Email: referrals@everyturn.org
Telephone: 0191 477 0450
