- Dementia is a common condition. Symptoms of Dementia happen when the brain is damaged. It can lead to a gradual loss in being able to reason and remember things.
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Out Patient Clinics / Memory Assessment
We provide Consultant-led Multi-disciplinary Outpatient Clinics for individuals who are experiencing memory problems. Referral is via your GP. Assessments will identify possible treatable causes for memory difficulties or where appropriate provide a diagnosis of Dementia. This may involve more than one visit to the clinic. Counselling and education is offered in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society.
Clinics are provided in:
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- Downe Hospital
- Ards Community Hospital
- Lagan Valley Hospital
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Dementia Navigators
The Dementia Navigator will signpost to services and supports available for those living with Dementia, and their carers. The Dementia Navigator is based within each Community Mental Health Team in the following areas:
- Downe
- Lisburn
- Ards & Bangor
Navigators receive referrals from the person living with dementia, carers, GP’s and other professionals. A referral can be made via the Service contact line on Tel: 028 95 988 098.
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Dementia Companions
We recognise coming into hospital can be a stressful time for people living with Dementia.
The Dementia Companion service is a small team of staff employed across acute hospital sites. They work as part of the multi-disciplinary team under the guidance of the ward nursing staff, and are dedicated to supporting the needs of patients living with Dementia who are admitted to our hospitals.
The overall purpose of the Dementia Companion role is to enhance the safety and experience for patients living with Dementia by creating ward environments that are both person-centred and Dementia-enabling. The Companions provide a vital role, spending time befriending patients, providing compassionate reassurance, and assisting with meaningful activities, whilst promoting choice and independence.
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Dementia Inpatient Wards
We strive to support people living with Dementia in their usual residence, however sometimes a hospital admission for assessment is essential. We have two Dementia Inpatient Wards in the Downe and Lagan Valley Hospitals.
Contact Details:
- Ward 11, Lagan Valley Hospital Tel:(028) 9263 6518
- Dementia Assessment and Treatment Unit, Downe Hospital Tel:(028) 4483 8260
The Dementia Inpatient Wards (and many of our acute hospital wards) support ‘Johns Campaign’. If, as a family member, you would like to continue with your caring role, please speak with the nurse in charge so these arrangements can be discussed and made.
Children are permitted to visit the wards in a designated area. Please speak with the nurse in charge to arrange this.
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Carers Support
Alzheimer’s Society deliver CrISP (Carers Information Support Programmes) across the Trust.
CrISP has been designed specifically for carers, family members and friends of people with Dementia. It is a 4 week programme, with each session lasting 2-2.5 hours, covering the following topics:
- Understanding dementia
- Providing support and care
- Legal and money matters
- Coping day-to-day
CrISP provides support and up-to-date, relevant information in a group environment, where carers can share experiences and find out about local services. T he groups are delivered through face-to-face sessions or online.
To find out more about CRISP or to book a place, please contact the Alzheimer’s Society on:
Tel: 07522712764
Email: crispseni@alzheimers.org.uk
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Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is an initiative that will help police and other agencies find a person with Dementia who goes missing across Northern Ireland.
The Herbert Protocol was launched by the Policing and Community Safety Partnership in collaboration with Dementia NI and Health and Social Care Trusts.
For further information please click the following link: Herbert Protocol | PSNI
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Support Organisations
Age NI
3 Lower Crescent
Belfast
BT7 1NR
Tel: 08088 087 575Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland
Alzheimer’s Society
30 Skegoneill Street
Belfast
BT15 3JP
Tel: (028) 9066 4100
Helpline: 0300 222 1122
Email: nir@alzheimers.org.ukWebsite: www.alzheimers.org.uk
British Deaf Association
NICVA Building61 Duncairn Gardens
Belfast
BT15 2GB
Tel: (028) 9043 7480
Website: https://bda.org.uk/belfast-office
Carers Northern Ireland
58 Howard Street
Belfast
BT1 6PJ
Tel: (028) 9043 9843Website: www.carersuk.org/northernireland
Dementia NI
NICVA Building61 Duncairn Gardens
Belfast
Bt15 2GB
Tel: (028)96931555
Email: info@dementiani.orgWebsite: www.dementiani.org
Mencap NI (Learning Disability)
5 School Road
Newtownbreda
Belfast
BT8 6BT
Tel: 028 9069 1351Helpline: 0808 808 1111
Website:www.northernireland.mencap.org.uk
Together in Dementia Everyday (Tide)
Awaiting NI appointmentWebsite: http://www.tide.uk.net/