Living well with dementia

A dementia diagnosis can often come as a shock and you may need time to adjust.

Following this, many people find that by making some changes, they can continue to live well and have a fulfilling life.

The Social Care Institute for Excellence has produced an award-winning video exploring how six people have made adjustments following their diagnosis, so that they can continue to live well. 

Planning early for the future

Creating a care plan

Following diagnosis, your GP will work with you to produce a care plan. This can also include input from your family and friend carer. The plan has a medical focus and will include your medical history, care in an emergency, and information for out-of-hours services.

Having early conversations

It is also important to have early conversations about your future, to plan for any additional support you may need, manage your finances and make legal arrangements such as wills and powers of attorney.

Keeping well and active

The Alzheimer's Society’s website explains why keeping physically active is important for people living with dementia. It also gives examples of suitable exercises and physical activities for people in different stages of dementia. 

The NHS website includes information on the sorts of activities – physical, mental, social and creative – that can help you to live well with dementia and improve your wellbeing.

Staying connected with people 

Social interaction is very important for our wellbeing. It can help to boost mood, ease stress and stimulate our brains. This may help to slow the progression of dementia.

Local activities for people with dementia and their carers

- Age UK West Sussex's website lists activity centres for people with dementia

- Alzheimer's Society runs activity groups for people with dementia and their carers.

You can find more information about groups and activities on the getting out and about section on this website. 

Specialist day services

West Sussex County Council runs a number specialist day services, offering activities, support and community opportunities. You can find out more about the day services, including costs, on the County Council's website. 

West Sussex Library Service

The library service offers a range of books and resources for people with dementia and their family and friend carers to help them live well. These include a Reminiscence Collection, Reading Well Books on Prescription for Dementia and a Memory Management Library card.

Support and advice for carers

Caring for someone with dementia can be demanding and it is important that you are able to focus on your own wellbeing, as well as the person you are caring for. 

Carers Support West Sussex has developed a dementia wellbeing programme which provides guidance and support for carers. You can access the programme, and all of the support services offered by Carers Support by registering with them as a carer. 

You can find useful information, advice and resources for carers on the Carers Hub of this website.

Extra support to stay living independently

Services and adaptations

In the early stages of dementia, many people are able to manage daily living in the same way as before their diagnosis. As the condition progresses you may need some extra help with daily activities. 

Your home can be adapted to help you to stay safe, mobile and independent. You can find practical advice in the Equipment and Housing pages of this website.

The NHS website also has useful information about aids and equipment, including available funding.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology refers to devices or systems that can support you to maintain or improve your independence, safety and wellbeing. The Alzheimer's Society website includes information about assistive technology and dementia.

Technology enabled care can stop a minor event turning into a crisis, by raising an alarm for a timely, appropriate response. Information on technology enabled care can be found on the equipment page.

Care and support at home

As the dementia  progresses you may find that you need some additional care and support at home, to help you manage with daily living, including your personal care.

Longer-term care

You may reach the stage where your dementia means that, even with additional support, you are starting to find daily life difficult to manage in your home. 

When this happens,  you should speak with your GP or dementia adviser to consider the next steps.  

Options may include live-in care, moving to a new home, more suitable for your needs or a residential or nursing care home. 

Advance planning can help to ensure that you receive the long-term care you want. Planning ahead can also help to ensure that you can manage your finances so that you can continue to pay for the care you choose for as long as you need it. 

The Carewise care funding advice website explains how you can access expert, impartial advice that helps you and your family to make informed decisions about paying for care.