NEW face-to-face dementia support clinics are coming to Reading this month.
Dementia UK’s has announced that new clinics are set to open in branches of Nationwide in Reading and Newbury.
The service will be open to anyone impacted by dementia, offering specialist support to families and affected individuals in a safe, comfortable and private space.
They will be hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, who offer practical and emotional advice on worries about memory problems, understanding a diagnosis, and how the condition can progress, as well as help with financial and legal issues.
Nationwide is funding 30 dementia specialist Admiral Nurses and will have hosted free dementia support clinics in 200 branches across the country by the end of the summer.
Ahead of the appointments, Dementia UK, a specialist dementia nursing charity, has shared tips on how to discuss dementia with a loved one and encourage them to visit their GP if they are showing signs or symptoms of the condition.
If an affected person suddenly becomes upset or frustrated with themselves, this can be a good opportunity to have a conversation with them about the symptoms they are experiencing and if they’d like support with seeking help.
The signs and symptoms of dementia are often shared with other conditions; explaining this, and encouraging the person to seek advice from their GP can be less daunting than suggesting they seek a diagnosis of dementia.
You can also explain that a prompt diagnosis of dementia will help them seek the right support sooner.
Seeking support can be difficult, and some of those affected appreciate help in arranging the appointment and attending it.
It can help to keep a symptom diary which will support a healthcare professional to make an accurate and timely diagnosis.
Dementia clinics take place in Reading’s branch of Nationwide, Broad Street, on July 29-31.
Full details and bookings available via: dementiauk.org/information-and-support
