1 - Health care referral or Self referral
● Referrals may be made via the website or a phone-call. Referrers may be social care agencies or private individuals....either family members or friends of the person with dementia. People can of course self refer.
● When a private individual makes an initial inquiry about the service they will be invited to complete the Fact finding form. This is vital in order for Dementia Active to form an initial assessment as to whether the person is likely to benefit from attending groups. It also helps the service to match people with the group most likely to suit their needs.
● When a referrer makes an initial inquiry about the service they will be invited to complete the referrers questionnaire on the website. After which we would contact the family of the referee.
● On receipt of the questionnaire, a home visit can then be arranged. The purpose of the visit is to meet the person with dementia and to give them an insight into the kinds of activities and events that happen in an average session. It is also important at this stage that any worries people may have are discussed as there will most likely be solutions to these worries.
● Some people need to have a supported start. They may attend with a friend or a family member for a couple of sessions in order to build up their confidence. On the second visit the family member might spend time away from the person - maybe chatting to others….visible but not sitting alongside.
● If the whole three hour session is felt to be too long, new members are welcome to come initially for taster sessions and even to continue with a shorter session. This will be part of the agreement between Dementia Active, the referrer and the person with dementia.
● Dementia Active will offer clear advice as the level of support the person requires initially and the length of sessions.
● Provided that there is a vacancy in an appropriate group Dementia Active will follow up the home visit with a proposed start date and confirm the arrangements for joining the group.
2 - Home visit
At Dementia Active, we understand that finding the right group and activities are important for someone with dementia, as well as placing them with the right members.
We try to determine this by visiting you at home, with a view to assessing abilities.
This also allows us to explain more about what we are trying to achieve, and the outcomes we can expect.
You will be invited to book a home visit after completion of the initial fact finder form.
Please feel free to send us a message or phone if you have any issues.
3 - Attend one of our groups
Once we have all agreed which group will be best, you can bring your loved one along, or we can provide transport for them.
Not everyone always fits in straight away, and it can take time for someone with dementia to settle, but we will always try to make their experience a positive one.
You can find out more details here regarding session times and locations here.
4 - Regular members sign up with 'GoCardless'
We always recommend you make any regular payments with 'GoCardless', flexible direct debiting. The suggested donation takes into account our Christmas break and bank holidays.
We will continue to collect your donation whilst you are a member, even when you can't attend.
The suggested donation is based on each session and is calculated over 52 weeks and based on the charity's running costs. (This is separate to the £1.00 per month membership fee).
You can cancel your membership/regular place at any time. You can amend your direct debit donation payment amount whilst you are a member or after your membership has ceased by contacting Dementia Active.
If you choose to stop making your donation to Dementia Active, you must cancel your direct debit with your bank, as we won't do this. (If your membership is still active, you still need to make your membership payment).
GoCardless is the UK’s leading Direct Debit provider and is used by over 2,000 organisations. GoCardless is sponsored by RBS and is authorised by the FCA.
Switching to Direct Debit with GoCardless will save you the hassle of paying each week. You’ll be notified of any upcoming payments, and you can cancel them whenever you want. What’s more, the Direct Debit Guarantee makes this the safest way to pay.
Online bookings are possible, but are really designed for 'short block' or 'one off bookings' and are slightly more expensive. Please don't use online bookings until you have been offered a place. Once we have offered you a place - Please complete the member payment details here.
5 - Welcome to the Dementia Active community
● Dementia Active believes that good relationships with family members and friends are vital when supporting a person with dementia in a group.
● Dementia Active will communicate with families regularly either by email, phone call or in person when they come to collect their relative.
● Videos of activities can be emailed in order that families and friends can share the person's experiences.
● Dementia Active will share any concerns and will arrange a further home visit if for any reason someone is finding it difficult to settle into a group.
● Dementia Active also hopes that families and friends will feel able to raise any concerns they might have or indeed to pass on any positive feedback.
Now your loved one has settled you may want to explore other days and groups that we run.
This includes some weekend and evening events that you can join in with.
Check out any upcoming events here.
Music for Wellbeing
We will provide a musical experience which will not only be stimulating for the person with dementia but will create new shared memories for all. Unlike our activity groups a family member or friend will need to accompany the person with dementia.
Open to people with dementia and their carers every Thursday -1.45pm to 3.00pm. Attendees will be able to make a donation on the day. (Click 'book your place' for the next meeting date).
BOOK YOUR 'MUSIC FOR WELLBEING' PLACE HERE