Getting Support
Living with dementia can be hard, whether you have a dementia diagnosis yourself, or care for someone who has dementia.
Many people find it helpful to have someone they can talk to who understands dementia and/or is able to help them access services and information that can help.
CPNs and Mental Health Team
Specialist support is provided for people with dementia through the Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) and Mental Health Team. More information is available in our Local Services - Health section.
Support Workers
Guideposts Trust
You can arrange to have a visit from one of Guideposts’ Carer Support Workers who can help you through emotional difficulties, signpost you to local support throughout Warwickshire, call 0845 600 9980 for more information.
Alzheimer's Society
The Warwickshire branch of the society can provide support workers. Call 01926 888899 to find out more.
Age UK and Help the Aged
A range of services are on offer through the local branch. Call 01926 458100 to find out more.
Local Support Groups
A Local Support Group can offer a listening ear.
Advocacy
Advocacy is a way of helping people, in partnership, to express their views and wishes, so they can be heard.
Making sure that people listen to what you want to say can be difficult for many reasons. These include embarrassment: not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings: and, being unsure of your rights. This is no different for people with dementia.
What is different is that sometimes it is assumed that people with dementia cannot make choices or do not know what they want. But, if given time, clear information and the chance to say what they want, many people can express their wishes and play their part in making informed decisions. This is where an advocate can help.
Organisations which can provide financial advice and guidance for the carers of people with dementia.
The Citizens Advice is a national organisation with local branches
Independent - it will always act in the interest of its clients, without influence from any outside bodies. Impartial - no judgements or assumptions are made about its clients. Its service is open to everyone, and it treats everyone equally. Confidential - it won't pass on anything a client says or even the fact that they've visited - without their permission. Free - no one has to pay for any part of the service provided. CAB advisors, most of whom are trained volunteers, can:
- interview clients face-to-face and by telephone to find out what the problem is
- access our regularly updated electronic information database for up-to-the minute information
- help clients to negotiate with companies or service providers such as creditors or to appeal against decisions, for example, social security benefit claims
- write letters or telephone companies and service providers on behalf of clients
- help clients to prioritise their problems, for example, to sort out which debts are most important
- help clients with form filling, for example, to claim benefits
- represent clients in court and at tribunals
- refer clients to CAB specialist caseworkers for complex problems or to other agencies when appropriate
There is an online advice service with answers to frequently asked questions and some factsheets which you can download.
A Guide to Citizens Advice in Warwickshire
Alcester CAB
Globe House,
Priory Road,
Alcester,
B49 5DZ
Tel: 01789 200136 - Tuesday 10.00am to 1.00pm
North Warwickshire CAB
The Parish Rooms,
Welcome Street,
Atherstone,
CV9 1DU
Tel: 0844 855 2322
E-mail: nwcab.advice@cabnet.org.uk Website: www.nwcab.org.uk
closed on Thursdays
Nuneaton & Bedworth CAB
25 Congreve Walk,
Bedworth,
CV12 8LX
Tel: 0844 855 2322
E-mail: info@brancab.org.uk Website: www.cabnuneaton.org.uk
open from 10.00am to 2.00pm
Rugby CAB
1st Floor Chestnut House,
32 North Street,
Rugby,
CV21 2AG
Tel: 0844 855 2322
E-mail: adviser@brancab.org.uk Website: www.cabrugby.org.uk
Stratford upon Avon District CAB
25 Meer Street,
Stratford upon Avon,
CV37 6QB
Tel: 0844 855 2322 for appointments and advice
Website: www.stratforduponavoncab.org.uk
Warwick District CAB
10 Hamilton Terrace,
Leamington Spa,
CV32 4LY
closed on Wednesday
Tel: 0844 855 2322
Website: www.cableamington.org.uk
Warwick CAB
Shire Hall, Warwick, CV34 5SA
open Wednesday only
Tel: 0844 855 2322
Independent Advocacy is a local organisation which supports a wide range if people. If you are already known to social services or health services the help is free of charge. The organisation can support with issues such as housing, disability benefits, legal issues and hospital concerns. Contact 02476 697442 ext 225 or e-mail office@independentadvocacy.org.uk.
Supporting Care Rights / Making a Complaint
If you need support to help you access care rights, or to make a complaint about hospital treatment, there are organisations who can help and support you. Details are in our Care Rights and Complaints section.
More information www.justice.gov.uk/about/human-rights.
Supporting People from Ethnic Minorities
A number of groups and organisations exist to support people whose first language is not English, or who have distinct religious or cultural needs:
There is a carer support service from Guideposts which has BME (black and minority ethnic) workers who can provide support to people from within various ethnic communities. Contact 0845 600 9980.
Alzheimer's Disease International has an extremely helpful web page, of contact details and web links for Alzheimer associations in around 75 different countries around the world. This information is likely to be useful for people living with dementia whose first language is not English, and also useful for people who live locally, but have friends or family members living with dementia abroad.
Asian Phoenix - Supporting People with Dementia and their Carers
Asian Phoenix works with ethnic minority carers and people with dementia who live in the north of Warwickshire. It provides practical support which includes respite and emotional support for carers and people with dementia. To contact the group telephone 02476 374434 or e-mail elsy1412@yahoo.co.uk
