When a family member or friend is diagnosed with dementia it can be a challenging time. For many people, the diagnosis of their family member or friend is the first time they have experienced dementia, and they are not sure what to do and how best to support them. Many people with dementia find that their friends may become distant because they don’t know how to support them. Often the support available is directed at the person with dementia and their family.
The value of unpaid carers and care partners who provide support to someone with a diagnosis of dementia and the challenges they face are widely recognised. You may find your relationship changing and that you begin to provide a care and support role as well as being a spouse, child, relative or friend.
Looking after someone close to you is important and rewarding, but it can affect your physical and emotional wellbeing or impact on you financially and socially.
Alzheimer Scotland’s leaflet, Friendship and dementia guide (pdf), has hints and tips on how to support friends with dementia.
Dementia Friends is another way to learn more about dementia and how to support someone. Sessions are facilitated locally by Alzheimer Scotland.
You can also take practical steps to support your friend by making your home dementia friendly.
Information about the support for carers in Aberdeenshire is available on Aberdeenshire Council’s website.
Aberdeenshire Carer Support Service
VSA are commissioned by Aberdeenshire Council to provide a Carer Support Service to unpaid adult and young carers in Aberdeenshire. VSA offer a unique service to look at the impact caring has on the whole family. By taking time to discuss your situation and understanding each person’s needs, they may identify solutions that benefit everyone.
VSA can help carers complete an Adult Carer Support Plan (if the carer is an adult) or a Young Carer Statement (if the carer is under 18, or 18 and still at school). These look at a carer’s responsibilities and how their caring role impacts on their health and wellbeing. Carers who are eligible will be referred to the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership Carers Team for support with a Self-directed Support Budget.
More information about the Aberdeenshire Carer Support Service is available on VSA website.
NHS Inform
NHS Inform have put together some information about dementia covering several topics, including sources of help and support, managing legal affairs and organising care and support.
Alzheimer Scotland
Alzheimer Scotland provides help and support for those caring for someone with dementia. More information is available in the caring for someone with dementia section of their website.
TIDE – together in dementia everyday
TIDE is a UK wide involvement network of carers, former carers and health and care professionals who are working together to build a better future for carers of people living with dementia. More information is available on the TIDE website.
ALISS – A Local Information System for Scotland
ALISS is a national digital programme for people and professionals to find and share information on resources, services, groups, and support in their local communities and online. It aims to make sure everyone in Scotland has the right information, at the right time, about the resources available to help you live well and stay connected to your community.
Age Scotland dementia training
Age Scotland run a series of free online workshops and information sessions on:
- dementia awareness
- dementia inclusion
- carer’s rights
- dementia friendly communities capacity building
There are also sessions specifically on young onset dementia. Age Scotland offer self-study courses allowing people to learn at their own pace.