What is dementia?
There are over 200 types of dementia. Each type stops a person’s brain working properly. This can affect memory, thoughts and speech, as well as other symptoms. The most common types of dementia are:
You can find out more about the different types and stages on the Dementia UK website.
There are several national organisations and charities that provide information, advice and guidance for people who have dementia, and their families. These may also provide support.
You can use our Community Directory to find out about a wide range of support services available in Cornwall. This may include:
- Day opportunities
- Cornwall Memory Cafe Network
- social groups
- specialist dementia training
- support groups for carers
- blue badge parking permits
- community directory
Local organisations
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Memory Matters
- Cornwall Carers Service
- Age UK Kernow Gateway
If you have a diagnosis of Dementia you and / or your carers may be entitled to certain benefits. This may include:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carers Allowance
- Council Tax discount
- Personal Independence Allowance (replaced Disability Living Allowance)
You may be able to register as a priority customer for utilities such as:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Telephone, including mobile
- Water (South West Water)
and with other organisations. You should contact your utility provider, or ask your carer to do this for you.
You can also register for help with your waste and recycling collections. This is called Assisted Collections You can find out about this on our Waste and Recycling pages.
You may need help to manage your finances and day to day living. There are options available to you to help safeguard you and your finances. The Mental Capacity Act is the law in England and Wales that protects and supports people who lack capacity to make a decision. It also outlines who can and should make decisions for you. You can find out more about these on the gov.uk website:
Our helping hand web page provides links to more information and advice such as:
- Help at home
- Help with bills
- Help with information
- Help with your home
Information for Carers
Do you care for a family member or friend with Dementia?
- anyone can be seen, recognised and supported as a carer
- any carer can get specific help relevant to their individual caring role, and
- be supported with a formal needs assessment and support plan
Find out about support for carersCornwall and Isles of Scilly Dementia Strategy
Making Dementia Everybody’s Business
Our strategy sets out our vision for dementia services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This is a joint strategy with health services. It sets out our plans to ensure people living with Dementia, and their carers and families, have the best possible experience of Health and Social Care services and community support.