Step 3: Exploring available support
People don’t always know where to turn after being referred for a memory assessment. To help, we have pulled together a list of resources you can use at home, and listed some organisations who are able to help.
Identifying where you need support can be half the battle. To make it easier, we’ve categorised resources by the type of support below. We have also included some questions and exercises you may want to work through to help you consider this.
What will I find here?
Questions to ask yourself
Types of available support
Access immediately available support
Questions to ask yourself
The following questions can help somebody experiencing memory issues to think about what support they might need.
Emotional
- What does a good day/bad day look like for me?
- What activities do I enjoy that I want to keep doing?
- Would I like to take someone to my assessment for support?
- Would I like to talk to other people who are in the same position as me?
- What can someone do to help me if I am having a bad day?
Clinical
- Are there any other health needs I need to discuss with my GP?
- Are any of my symptoms worsening or becoming unmanageable?
- What questions do I want to ask at my memory clinic appointment?
- Are there any communication needs I can tell my GP/memory clinic about to help me during my appointment?
- What habits can I include to support my health such as limiting alcohol consumption or taking more exercise?
Social
- What groups or activities are there in my local area, that I could attend?
- What does my support network look like? Our downloadable PDF has a template to help you map this out.
- Who would I see more of if I could?
- Are there ways I could connect online more with friends or family members?
Practical
- How will I get to my appointment?
- What do I need to do for a remote appointment?
- What’s working/not working for me at the moment
- What helps me make decisions?
- Are there any adaptations I need around the home to help me stay independent?
- Would assistive technology or memory aids help me?
- Have I considered Advanced Care Planning?
Types of available support
Practical support
This includes things like logistics for getting to and from your appointments, support with finances, day-to-day tasks around the house, and support managing your symptoms.
Emotional support
This relates to mental health, and considering things you can do to support your emotional well-being.
Clinical support
This includes anything related to your health for which you may need to go back to your GP or memory clinic.
Social support
This includes maintaining your connections to your family, friends and community, and ensuring you’re able to continue doing the things that matter to you.
Sources of support
When waiting for a memory assessment, it is sometimes hard to know exactly what support you need, or even whether it is out there. There is a lot of information and support available but this can sometimes feel hard to navigate. These organisations will talk through your current worries or difficulties and help you access the right information at the right time.
Alzheimer’s Society
Practical, emotional, social, clinical
The Alzheimer’s Society are able to provide factsheets to learn more, or offer practical support with things like driving and assistive technology. You can also call their helpline for more specific advice, or join the ‘Talking Point’ online forum where you can speak to other people who are waiting for a memory assessment.
You do not need to have a diagnosis of dementia to access support from Alzheimer’s Society.
Age UK
Practical, social, emotional
Age UK run memory support services, including Zoom and small group outdoors sessions, depending on availability in your local area.
They can also help with social support and help you meet other people. Their helpline can provide practical support and advice.
Independent Age
Practical and social
Independent Age has a range of factsheets to help with financial and legal queries. They also run a number of online and face-to-face initiatives that can support people. They can link people to communities and peers for social interaction, and also offer befriending services for those who need support accessing things in the community or are feeling socially isolated.
SilverLine
Silverline run befriending programmes and can help support people to get out in their community. This can be a great way to build up your social support network and help you spend time doing things you enjoy.
Social Prescribing Link Worker
Emotional, social
A social prescribing link worker can be accessed through your GP. They are aware of all of the groups and activities in your area and can help you find things to do that match your interests and to meet other people in your community.
Contact your GP who can refer you to social prescribing in your area.
Music groups, Music for Dementia
Emotional, social
Music therapies and groups can be a great activity to help you meet other people and to provide an emotional boost.
Advocacy services
Clinical
If you feel like you’d like to have support at appointments to make your feelings better known, and to ensure you are being listened to and having your questions answered, you can have an independent advocate attend with you.
Contact your local authority to access free advocacy support.
IAPT
IAPT are a NHS organisation where you can self refer to mental health services, and gain access to support such as CBT, counselling, and other psychological therapies.
Samaritans
Samaritans provide a free 24 hour confidential hotline for anyone who needs someone to talk to. You can also email, or write to them if you prefer to put your thoughts in writing.
Mental Health Foundation
Practical, emotional
The Mental Health Foundation is a UK charity, whose mission is “to help people to thrive through understanding, protecting, and sustaining their mental health.
Dementia UK
Social, practical, emotional, clinical
Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you.
Mind
Practical, emotional, clinical
Mind is a mental health charity in England and Wales. Founded in 1946 as the National Association for Mental Health, it celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2016. Mind offers information and advice to people with mental health problems and lobbies government and local authorities on their behalf.
Download our printable guide
This guide contains information and advice on staying well while waiting for a memory assessment, as well as a range of exercises you can complete to help you decide on what’s right for you.
