Adult social care and support

Caring and living with dementia

Page contents

Preventing dementia

Dementia is a condition caused by a decline in brain function. Symptoms can include problems with:

  • thinking speed
  • movement
  • comprehension
  • mental sharpness and quickness

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia. You can:

For more see Can dementia be prevented (NHS).

Getting a diagnosis

If you are having regular memory or thinking issues take an online test. You should also speak to your GP. They can refer you for a memory assessment. This involves a range of tests to look at:

  • memory
  • how you understand spoken ideas
  • how you understand visual information

Early diagnosis of dementia has many benefits, including:

  • an explanation of your symptoms
  • access to treatment
  • advice and support
  • helping you to plan for your future

Surrey has a specialist unit that looks after people with dementia. See Cognitive neurology and dementia centre to find out more. Speak to your GP to get a referral to the centre.

Living well with dementia

Dementia can affect all aspects of your life and those around you. If you have a diagnosis of dementia, remember that:

  • you are you, even if you have problems with memory, attention and planning
  • everyone has a different experience of dementia
  • focusing on the things you can do and enjoy will help you to stay positive

With the right help and support, many people can, and do, live well with dementia.

To find out if you, or someone you know, can get help from us, complete our self-assessment form. See Adult social care assessments and eligibility to find out more.

Find dementia services near you

You can arrange support for yourself. Staying connected to your local community is important. There are specialist services that can support you and help you stay active. Connect to Support Surrey has:

You can find information on transport to get to and from those activities:

Help in your home

In the early stages of dementia, most people carry on living at home. As the illness progresses you may need help to look after yourself and your home.

You can find local services that might help at Connect to Support Surrey. This includes:

Technology could help too. For more on this see:

There are also national organisations that can offer you help and advice.

See Dementia support services.

Moving to residential or nursing care

If coping at home is hard, you may want to move into residential care. Some homes offer dementia specialisms. See:

Depending on your means, you may need to pay for this care.

End of life care

The later stages of dementia can be challenging. You can find local support at:

Getting support in your caring role

You might not think of yourself as a carer. If you look after someone because they are ill, you likely are. This can include your spouse or a family member.

Looking after someone with dementia can be difficult. Feeling supported, heard and seen can make a big difference. As a carer you can ask for a carer's assessment.

See Assessing your needs as a carer.

Action for Carers can help you with:

You can also find crisis support for carers.

If you need to talk to someone, there are some helplines you can call:

  • Carers UK on 0800 808 7777
  • Dementia UK on 0800 888 6678
  • Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456

There are lots of groups and services in Surrey that can help. Find services which offer:

If you look after someone with a learning disability, see Dementia support.

Help with money

As a carer you may be entitled to benefits to help you with the costs.

See Benefits and financial support if you're caring for someone (GOV.UK).

For help looking after someone else's money see Deputyship.

Subscribe to our newsletters for latest news and events.