New service provides support for anyone with memory concerns
Residents in Oxfordshire who are worried about their memory can now access expert support and advice through a new memory support service from Dementia Oxfordshire.
The service is accessed by a GP referral and provides a one to one consultation with an adviser, who can help with memory strategies, explore lifestyle changes, advise on benefits and provide support with planning for the future.
The memory support service also supports anyone who already has a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or who is waiting to be seen at a memory clinic.
The programme is delivered by Dementia Oxfordshire, a service provided by Age UK Oxfordshire with funding support from Oxfordshire County Council. It already supports people living with dementia and their families across the county.
Peter Johnson, Head of Service for Dementia Oxfordshire, said: “We know how difficult it can be to access support if you are experiencing memory problems but don’t have a diagnosis of dementia. Our new service aims to change that – offering advice and providing useful information so that individuals and their families don’t feel they are on their own.
“To access the new service, anyone with concerns about their memory will need to be referred by their GP. A GP can advise on the causes of memory loss, help you decide what to do next, and refer to the memory support service if it is appropriate.”
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Noticing a change in your memory can be a very worrying time. This new service by Dementia Oxfordshire provides more immediate support, especially in that period between realising there might be a problem but before any diagnosis has been made.
“By being supported at an earlier stage, residents can be guided to practical support in their own communities, enabling them to live well and independently for longer.”
More information about the service can be found online.
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