Dementia Connections
There are approximately 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia and this is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.
Dementia Connections is Age UK North Tyneside’s specialist team dedicated to supporting residents of North Tyneside who are living with dementia.
This might include the person with the diagnosis, their carer or family member.
Dementia Connections includes a team of seven Admiral Nurses and five dementia co-ordinators.
What is an Admiral Nurse?
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who give expert practical, clinical and emotional support to families living with dementia to help them cope. They are registered nurses with significant experience of working with people living with dementia before becoming an Admiral Nurse.
They work in communities, helping people living with dementia to stay at home for longer.
How can an Admiral Nurse help me?
If you have a diagnosis of dementia or you are a carer/relative of someone who does, an Admiral Nurse can:
- provide specialist practical advice, and emotional and psychological support from diagnosis to post bereavement, helping you deal with your feelings and learn coping strategies.
- be your single point of contact, helping to join up different parts of the health and social care system and meeting your needs in a coordinated way.
- give you the knowledge to understand dementia and its effects, and the skills to improve how you communicate with someone living with dementia.
- offer advice on referrals to other services and liaise with health and social care professionals on your behalf, sharing best practice with them so you get the best care possible. This could include referral to other members of the Age UK North Tyneside Dementia Connections Team.
- support you at difficult times in your dementia journey, including when the condition progresses, or when tough decisions need to be made, such as moving a family member into residential care.
The Admiral Nurse Service is now working in the Memory Clinic at North Tyneside General Hospital. There they provide support for carers of those living with dementia.
How can I speak to an Admiral Nurse?
If you live in North Tyneside call the Age UK North Tyneside Dementia Connection services on 0191 280 8484.
(This is not an emergency service but should you feel that you require assistance of an urgent nature, please contact Adult Social Care Tel: 0191 6432777 Option 3).
Dementia Specific Activities
The Dementia Connections service is committed to helping people living with dementia, their families and carers to continue to live fulfilling and rewarding lives.
The Dementia Coordinators provide group and activity services for people with a low to moderate level of need. From singing groups to museum trips they aim to stimulate memories and social interactions.
This might include: Cuppa Clubs, Meeting Centres, Sing Along Memories, Carer Support Groups, Bereavement Support, and Crafting. Find out more here.
Meeting Centres for those living with dementia
Meeting Centres are a local resource, operating out of ordinary community buildings, providing warm and friendly expert support to people living at home with dementia and their families and friends. At the heart of the Meeting Centre is a social club where people can meet to have fun, talk to others, and get great help that focusses on what makes life great. Dementia Connections are the only Meeting Centre provider in the North East. Find out more here.
Who is eligible?
Residents of North Tyneside who have a diagnosis of dementia or any other cognitive impairment, alongside a family member or carer. You can access all of Dementia Connections services by calling Age UK North Tyneside’s customer service team Tel: 0191 2808484 Option 0 or email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside/our-services/dementia-services/
Dementia Connections
Age UK North Tyneside
Bradbury Centre
13 Saville St West
North Shields
NE29 6QP