The pathway to getting a dementia diagnosis and support can slightly differ depending on when you, or your loved one, first seek help. Although it can be a daunting step, it is vital to ask for help as soon as possible, to ensure you get the right support and guidance in place.
If you suspect your partner/family member is experiencing any of the following, we suggest you contact your GP to discuss next steps:
- memory problems
- difficulty in thinking things through and planning
- language and communication
- orientation problems
- visual – perceptual difficulties
- mood or emotional changes
| Steps to Take | Support Information |
| Step 1 When you need some support, and you suspect that your loved one may be experiencing changes. | Visit your GP, explain, and ask if you need a referral to Age UK Salford Dementia Services for support and information 0161 788 7700 The Memory Assessment & Treatment Service (MATS) for a diagnosis. Social Services for an assessment for the person with dementia and the carer – 0161 909 6517 Aspire Dementia Services can offer advice 0161 607 7101. The GP will ask how for how long you have been noticing changes in the person, for example, memory loss, disorientation, variable, uncharacteristic mood. A period of six months of the person presenting differently and a short memory test may indicate that a referral to the Memory Assessment and Treatment Services is recommended by the GP. |
| Pre-diagnosis | Memory Assessment and Treatment Team (MATS) Referral from your GP The team is based at The Woodlands Hospital and provides assessment and diagnosis for people with a suspected dementia. They may ask you to go for a brain scan to help in the diagnostic process. Following diagnosis the team may ask to see you again to monitor any medication they recommend and provide you with a named case manager. They will also provide you with an introductory pack with information about support you can access to help you now and plan for the future or invite you to a post diagnostic group. The aim is to provide you with the skills to understand and manage the illness and enable people to be cared for at home for as long as possible. |
| Step 2 Diagnosis | Memory Assessment & Treatment Team (MATS) Referral from your GP The team is based at The Woodlands Hospital and provides assessment and diagnosis for people with a suspected dementia. They may ask you to go for a brain scan to help in the diagnostic process. Following diagnosis the team may ask to see you again to monitor any medication they recommend and provide you with a named case manager. They will also provide you with an introductory pack with information about support you can access to help you now and plan for the future or invite you to a post diagnostic group. The aim is to provide you with the skills to understand and manage the illness and enable people to be cared for at home for as long as possible. |
| Step 3 Assessment | Salford Council first point of contact number: 0161 206 6204 For community health & social care services including Community Mental Health Services This includes social workers, community psychiatric nurses (CPN), occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists and counsellors, who are all there to help people live as independently as possible. |
| Step 4 Post diagnosis | Salford Age UK Dementia Services – Making sure you have all the right information for the person with dementia and the carer to plan for the future. This is important to do this as soon as possible and while the person with dementia can make decisions for them, and this does not become a burden for the carer and family. Important Documents Are you claiming the right benefits? Do you have the right support in place? Do you have a document which informs the right people what you want to happen in case of an emergency for both the person with dementia and the carer? |
| Step 5 Living Well at home with dementia | Aspire Dementia Services – contact chris.sewards@iamaspire.org.uk or telephone 0161 607 7101 Salford Council Welfare Rights Service – Benefits / attendance allowance / council tax allowance 0800 345 7375 Monday to Friday 10am to 12noon www.salford.gov.uk/welfarerights Citizens Advice Bureau – support with a range of issues, as well as the lasting power of attorney documents – 0844 826 9695 –www.salfordcab.org.uk Salford Carers Centre – 0161 833 0217 – www.salfordcarerscentre.co.uk They offer advice, support, information, one-to-one support, emotional support, newsletters and signposting to other services. They provide further information about carer support groups and carers’ personal budgets. |
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact chris.sewards@iamaspire.org.uk or 0161 607 7101.
Written by: Chris Sewards, Dementia Lead
