Services for people with Dementia

Dementia Redesign Project
Day 1	Accommodation	Group 1	Group 2	Group 3	Group 4	Group 5
Day 2	Care Models / Services Models	Group 1	Group 2	Group 3	Group 4	Group 5

Please click on the links above to find information and conclusions arrived at on the two-day workshops held to discuss the future direction of services for people with Dementia.

Dementia is a group of illnesses, which can cause difficulties with memory, reasoning, daily living skills and routines. In Shetland a person centred approach has been taken, and we aim towards a needs led service.

In order to do this, a specialist care manager is now placed in the community care section of Social Care. Specialist carer assessments enhance communication, the likelihood of practical informed consent, and carer information and support.

In order to meet peoples' needs in a flexible manner, interagency liaison is essential. GP's, Community Nurses, Health Visitors, Acute and Long Term hospital services, Home Care, Crossroads, WRVS, and some community based voluntary initiatives may be involved in the construction of a care package. Co-ordination, continual assessment, feedback and review are the main elements of a complete care package.

As not all clients who have dementia will have complex needs, or may have needs arising from other sources, not all people who have dementia will require specialist care management.

The specialist post therefore has an advisory capacity and can offer information to other agencies, such as schools, community interest groups and voluntary groups. Support and training for care staff and voluntary staff is also provided.

The remit of the Consultant Psychiatrist and the Community Psychiatric Nurse now includes dementia and their expertise means that faster diagnosis and specialist services are made available more quickly.

Residential Care

Viewforth is a specialist unit for people who have specific needs. Their philosophy is one of needs led, person centred care.

All permanent staff have received specific training and promote a positive atmosphere of support.

Viewforth offers Day Care and flexible short and long respite breaks, as well as residential care.

Care Centres

Many people who have dementia choose to remain in their own communities and live successfully in their local care centres where staff receive training and advice from the Dementia Care Manager or Community Psychiatric Nurse, as required.

Sheltered Housing & Very Sheltered Housing

Sheltered Housing and Very Sheltered Housing, such as King Erik House is becoming a major resource for people who have dementia, in combination with Day Care and a Community Care Package.

Specialist services now mean that carers in the community are better supported and able to continue the invaluable work that they do.

Services Available

Primary care teams support the health needs of older people in the community. This is in addition to services from chiropody, physiotherapy, psychiatry, speech therapy and the community dental service. The individual health and social care needs of older people are ensured through joint working by Health and Social Care Services.

A Health Service Social Worker provides the assessment and care planning for older people with community care needs on their discharge from hospital.

Social Care

Residential and day care services are available for older people, some of whom may have dementia and for adults with disabilities.

Deciding to move into residential care is a major decision and it is important to make the right choice.

If you think that either yourself or a loved one may need to move into residential care and need help to take that step, find a suitable home, help with fees, or advice on the other services available in your community, contact the Education and Social Care Department on 01595 744400.

Ask for the leaflet "Thinking about moving into a Care Home?". This leaflet gives general guidance, and is available from Social Care and from the Scottish Government on 0131 244 5389 or Fax 0131 244 5315

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/07/01142347/8

For information on Financial Assessments click here.

For further information please see our Leaflets page and the Other Organisations page.