Support for dementia in Brent
There are a lot of different services and support groups available for people in Brent living with dementia. We’ve collected some of the most useful resources below, but if you'd like more information please contact us for advice and information.
Browse the information below, or click the links to scroll directly to the relevant part of the page.
- What to do if you’re worried about memory loss
- What to expect after being diagnosed
- Getting help from Brent Council
- Local dementia support
- Information for carers
What to do if you’re worried about memory loss
If memory loss is affecting your daily life, it’s important to book an appointment with your GP. The NHS recommend that if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia.
At the moment, 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK. And although there isn’t currently a cure for dementia, getting an early diagnosis can help slow its progress.
What to expect after being diagnosed
If you receive a diagnosis of dementia, the health professional diagnosing you should also share more information about the symptoms and how they will affect you. They should tell you what type of dementia you have, and any further treatment you may need.
You should also be given information about the care that you will receive, and given contact details to be able to get in touch with the service providing your care.
It’s important to share the information about your diagnosis with family members or other people you are close to, so they can support you.
Getting help from Brent Council
You can apply for a Care Needs Assessment to get additional help from Brent Council, such as regular carer to visit your home or some specialist equipment. There is information about how to do this on their website. If you are helping somebody with dementia, you can apply for a Care Needs Assessment on their behalf.
We have more information about requesting support from Adult Social Services here.
There are also a range of financial benefits you may be entitled to, such as:
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Council Tax reduction or exemption
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Premium
- NHS continuing healthcare (CHC)
- Blue Badge disabled parking permit
- Disabled person’s freedom pass
A range of factors will affect your eligibility for these benefits, including how serious your symptoms are and your financial situation. Brent Council has more general information about benefits and money here.
Local dementia support
Community Action on Dementia in Brent is a local community group dedicated to supporting people with dementia as well as families and carers. They are also working with other local services to work-towards making Brent more dementia-friendly. Services include regular dementia cafes, and information/advice hubs. They regularly plan dementia-friendly day trips and advice sessions, and provide a vibrant community for people with dementia as well as friends, family members and carers. Find out more here.
Alzheimer’s Society have a lot of information available online, with resources available both for people with Alzheimer’s and those with other types of dementia. You can use their directory to find dementia support in Brent.
Information for carers
If you help to look after someone with dementia, then you’re probably an unpaid carer. Tasks that you help with might include:
- washing and dressing
- taking medication
- cleaning and laundry
- shopping or taking people to appointments
- providing lifts and arranging transport
- keeping someone company
You can get support from the Council by requesting a Carer’s Assessment.
There is also help and information available from Brent Carer’s Centre. They can help with things such as emergency planning and taking a break, as well as finding events to meet other carers and share your experiences. Find out more here.
Thank you to Centre for Ageing Better for providing the images used on this page.
