Dementia is not part of the natural ageing process.

Dementia affects the brain, making it harder to remember things or think as clearly as before. It's an umbrella term for over 100 different types of illnesses and disease symptoms. Symptoms of dementia may include memory loss and difficulties with day to day tasks, language and problem-solving.

An Admiral Nurse offers compassionate one-to-one support and practical solutions for people looking after someone with dementia. 

For more information on how Admiral Nurses could help support your family, you can visit their webpage here.

Meet Jennifer, our admiral nurse here at Bangholm.

Jennifer has been nursing since 2012 and holds a dual qualification in Learning Disability and Mental Health Nursing. She has previously worked as a Memory Assessment Nurse and Community Mental health nurse, with a particular interest in dementia care. She joined Dementia UK in 2021 and is currently leading the first Admiral Nurse clinic service in Scotland. 

Admiral Nurses, such as Jennifer, are specialist Dementia nurses. They can provide specialist support for families currently facing the challenges posed by dementia. They work alongside people with dementia, and their families: giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions to move forward. 

If you would like to get in touch with Jennifer:

Call our Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0131 357 2611 from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 5pm during the weekend.

You can also email scotlandanclinic@dementiauk.org 

Admiral Nurses can help:

• with changes in behaviour, mood, memory and personality.
• difficulties coping and managing roles and relationships
• help those experiencing carer strain and stress
• help navigate challenges accessing and understanding the different support services
• planning for the future

The clinics are run either face to face, telephone or video appointment.

The Herbert Protocol is here to give you some reassurance and help keep your loved ones safe.

The system provides the police with everything they need to know to search for the person living with dementia. It’s a form that is kept at home containing important information regarding known routines, habits and descriptions of the person and details of those involved in their care. It can be handed to Police so that you do not have to worry about gathering the information during what can be a very stressful time. You can download the form here. 

It should be kept up-to-date so that all the information is relevant and current. A recent photograph should also be kept with the form. The police will only need the form when the person is reported missing and the form will be returned when the person is found.

The Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership  through the social work department and council also provide support after diagnosis including :

• Activities and groups in the community
• Provide personal alarms and monitors
• access to local dementia support services
• Discount from paying Council Tax
• Entitlement to apply for Attendance Allowance (over 65 years) or Personal Independence Payment (under 65 years)
• Help provide caring support with washing, dressing, or preparing meals and medication 
• Carer support.
  
  ● Phone: 0131 200 2324
  ● Email: socialcaredirect@edinburgh.gov.uk
  ● Website: here

Alzheimer Scotland provides information, support and dementia-friendly activities to help make sure nobody faces dementia alone. To find support in your area, please click here.

They have a 24-hour free dementia helpline, which provides information, signposting and emotional support to people with the illness, their families, friends and professionals. The helpline can offer support on a range of issues including: 

• Understanding the illness
• How to get help locally 
• Maintaining independence
• Financial and legal matters
• Rights and entitlements
• Coping with behaviour 
• Community care
• Long-stay care
• Anything else to do with dementia

Please call 0808 808 300 to access this service.

Dementia Uk has many resources on different aspects of living with Dementia; from how to diagnose, how to stay healthy as well as legal & financial assistance.

We heartily recommend browsing through their site here if you or a loved one are living with Dementia, as their wealth of resources is invaluable.

Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.

Telephone: 0800 888 6678

Website: www.dementiauk.org