Dementia Support
Combine a safe, secure, and well-designed home with reliable, adaptable and sensitive support - and we can help more people living with dementia to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
McCarthy Stone is committed to becoming a dementia-friendly organisation. Our developments and range of services give us a real opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives.
It can be frightening to deal with a diagnosis of dementia. But we are here to support you.
‘We want to see an increased number of people with dementia being able to live longer in their own homes when it is in their interests to do so.’
What is Dementia? - Alzheimer's Research UK
What exactly is Dementia?
Dementia symptoms are caused by damage to the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but not the only one. Strokes can also be a cause.
The most common symptoms of dementia are memory loss and difficulties with problem-solving or language. A person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour. These changes are often small to start with, but if a person is diagnosed with dementia then these changes are affecting their daily life.
The symptoms of dementia will depend on the parts of the brain that are damaged and the type of disease that is causing the dementia. But because everyone is different, everyone with dementia will act and behave differently. We are all individuals, there is no ‘one size fits all.’
‘When you’ve met one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia’ - Professor Tom Kitwood
We are here to support our homeowners
If you, or someone you know living on our developments, have questions or concerns about dementia, we are here for you.
If you live at a McCarthy Stone development or are concerned about a friend or family member living in our communities, please ask the Estate/House Manager to put you in touch with Alex. When things get challenging or difficult, Alex will work alongside people with dementia, and their families, giving them one-to-one support, guidance and practical solutions to support the person to live well.
However, you feel about your dementia diagnosis, the main thing to know is that you’re not on your own. Our commitment to support people in our developments affected by dementia are encompassed by the FREIDA principles outlined below.
Dementia support and resources
It is really important to get information and support after a dementia diagnosis – it can allow you to get back to living your life again.
This is a list of useful websites which can help with all aspects of a dementia diagnosis, from adapting your home to finding people to talk to about your concerns.
Dementia UK - Dementia UK offers one to one support and advice for families from a dementia support Admiral Nurse. Alternatively call the Admiral Nursing Direct Helpline 0800 888 6678
Alzheimer’s Society - The Alzheimer’s Society will help you to learn more about dementia and how to access support.
Join Dementia Research - Join Dementia Research allows people to register to be matched with research studies. Anyone can register, including people with dementia, their carers and their families/friends.
DEEP - DEEP, The Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project gives a voice to people living with dementia in the UK.
Gov.UK - Gov.uk Dementia allows you to find news, policy papers and updates on what the UK government is doing in relation to dementia.
Watch this video of Wendy Mitchell talking about how she made her home dementia friendly.
Read this McCarthy Stone guide to Adapting Your Home Environment
The Dementia Centre has this guide to good practice design for dementia and sight loss
Tech Silver Assistive Technology sells daily living aids that can help people with dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Society guide to assistive technology helps people to live more independently.
Age UK's Benefits Calculator can help you find out what benefits you could be entitled to. It's free to use and the details you provide are anonymous.
This is Me is a leaflet you can fill in and carry with you – it will help people to help you if you become confused. Download it here.
A health and social care assessment is carried out by social services to find out what help and support you need. Visit this website to apply.
Dementia Connect will help you to find local support services near you.
Join Dementia Talking Point to share experiences with other people affected by dementia
Alzheimer Scotland will help you find local support services: https://www.alzscot.org/
You can find care information for Scotland here: http://www.careinfoscotland.scot/
The Alzheimer’s Society Wales Cymru provides local support and information: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/wales
To ask for an assessment for care and support in Wales visit: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/legal-financial/assessment-care-support-wales