Care and support

Dementia support

Being diagnosed with dementia, or starting to care for someone with dementia, can be a very daunting prospect. You may feel worried and isolated or be concerned about how you will cope financially.

This page provides you with the following information:

  • understanding what care needs you can get assistance with
  • what financial help you may be able to access
  • who can help you fill out forms
  • who you can talk to about your worries
  • what local social and support groups there are for dementia sufferers and their carers

Care needs assessment

An assessment for care tells you what needs the person with dementia has, and what needs you may have as a carer. This care may be partly or completely paid for by your local council, or you may have to pay for this care and support yourself. The care needs assessment will help you find out what care is needed and how it will be paid for.

There are a number of ways you can request an assessment:

Financial help

There is a wide range of benefits and payment reductions that you, as a carer or as a dementia sufferer, may be eligible for.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is to help with extra costs associated with having a disability. It can be claimed by someone over pension age who needs supervision or help with personal care. To apply, telephone 0800 731 0122

PIP (Personal Independent Payment)

PIP can be claimed by people over 16 years old who have care or mobility needs and are under pension age.

Carer’s Allowance

Carer's Allowance is a benefit that can provide extra support to people who spend at least 35 unpaid hours per week looking after (or supervising) someone else. Receiving this allowance is dependent on you receiving certain other benefits and is only available to those under state pension age.

Help with housing costs

You may qualify for help with your housing costs, including Council Tax, support for mortgage interest or Housing Benefit, if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits.

Universal Credit

You or the person you care for may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs and are under state pension age.

Pension Credit

Pension Credit may be available to you, or the dementia sufferer you care for, if you claim state pension but it is not enough for you to live on.

Disabled Facilities Grants

This council service provides specialist help and advice about grants for home improvements, repairs, and adaptations for older, vulnerable and disabled people. We can also help with forms and paperwork and tell you about other services in your area.

If you want to find out more, please:

  • Call the Disabled Facilities Grant caseworkers on 01252 774111
  • Email:privatesectorhousing@hart.gov.uk. 
  • Visit our website page

Contacts

Hampshire County Council Adults' Health and Care

Services include blue badges, meals on wheels and needs assessments.
Telephone: 0300 555 1386, Monday 8.30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Thursday 9.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. 
Out of hours telephone:  0300 555 1373
Website: www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/adultsocialcare

Citizens Advice Hart

Help includes initial benefits assessments, care needs assessments and help requesting and filling in forms.
Telephone: 01252 878435 to make an appointment or call 0808 2787864 for Adviceline
Online advice request: https://citizensadvicehart.org.uk/contact/self-referral/

Age Concern Hampshire’s Community Information Volunteers

The volunteers can help you find the support you need and fill out forms.
Telephone: 01962 868545
Email: enquiries@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Helpline

A free helpline providing advice and support from specialist dementia nurses. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays 9am to 5pm.
Telephone: 0800 888 6678
Email: helpline@dementiauk.org
Website: www.dementiauk.org

Alzheimer’s Society

Support, information and advice for anyone affected by dementia. They can help you understand which benefits you may be entitled to and how to claim. Self-referral or by GP or other professionals.
National helpline: 0333 150 3456
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Hampshire

Emergency Planning Service - a dedicated team providing free support to discuss, develop and implement an emergency plan should you, as a carer, become unable to look after the dementia sufferer. Up to 48hrs free care may be available for the person you care for in the event of an emergency.

Dementia cafes and singing groups

Dementia cafes are a relaxed, supportive place for carers and dementia sufferers to meet other people in a similar situation. Refreshments, games and activities are available.

Farnborough Alzheimer Café (Hart residents welcome)

When: Meets on the 3rd Friday of every month, except August, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Where: St Peter’s Parish Centre. Church Avenue, Farnborough, GU14 7AP

Telephone: 07938 175002 (please leave a message)

Email: alzheimercafe@hotmail.co.uk 

Fleet, Memory Lane Singing for the Mind

A fun sing-a-long group for people with dementia or memory loss. Small charge applies.

When: Tuesdays 2.15pm – 3.30pm.

Where: Side hall, Catholic Church of our Lady, 32 Kings Road, Fleet, GU51 3ST

Telephone: Ria on 07355 802345

Email: riacreative@live.com

Hartley Wintney, Forget Me Not Café

When: Tuesdays 2pm-4pm

Where: St John’s Church, Fleet Road, Hartley Wintney, RG27 8ED

Hartley Wintney, Singing for the Mind

Based around the principles of music therapy, singing a wide variety of familiar and new songs. Small charge applies.

When: Wednesdays, with refreshments served from 1.30pm and singing from 2pm and 3pm.

Where: Usually at Hartley Wintney Football Club but please contact to check in advance.

Telephone: 0845 5190855

Email: info.hwcaregroup@gmail.com

Heckfield, The Bluebell Café

When: Fridays 2pm-4pm

Where: Holdshott Farm, Next to Rosie's Tea Room, Heckfield, Hook, RG27 0JZ

Odiham, Sunflower Café

When: Wednesdays 2pm-4pm.

Where: The Old School, London Road, Odiham, RG29 1AJ

Yateley and Darby Green, The Daisy Chain Café

When: Mondays 2pm-4pm

Where: Darby Green Centre, Darby Green Road, GU17 0DT

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