Useful Information
This page contains information about services and products that can help support a person living with dementia.
Driving
There is a responsibility for people with dementia (or their carer) to inform the DVLA of their diagnosis.The address is Drivers Medical Unit, D6, DVLA, Longview Road, Swansea SA99 ITU. Tel: 0870 600 0301.
If they refuse, a medical practitioner may inform the DVLA directly. The driving insurance company should also be informed of the diagnosis.
It is usually possible for the Medical Advisory Branch of the DVLA to decide whether they should be allowed to continue driving from the information provided. It may be necessary for them to take a free driving test conducted by the Driving Standards Agency. It may be possible to issue yearly licences, renewed in consultation with the medical practitioner
Key for disabled toilets
Useful when taking a person with dementia out, and the carer is a different sex and therefore cannot go into the toilet with them.
Obtainable from RADAR, 12 City Forum, 250 City Rd. ECIV 8AF Price £3.50 Tel: 020 7250 3222 or E-mail: radar@radar.org.uk
VAT on equipment
Equipment purchased for people with dementia, including incontinence pads, wheelchairs, commodes etc. are exempt from VAT.
Wheelchairs
If a wheelchair is considered necessary they can be obtained from your GP Practice.
Incontinence Pads
Contact the District Nurse Service for assessment of requirements.
Mailing Preference Service
You can reduce the amount of unsolicited letters and mailings that the person you care for receives by registering with the Mailing Preference Service. This is free and you can register on 0845 703 4599
BT Network Controlled Dialling System
BT can set up a service whereby up to 10 numbers can be dialled but all others are blocked. A list of numbers for family, friends GP etc that need to be used can be given, but all other numbers are blocked. This is useful when a person with dementia repeatedly dials the talking clock for example. Contact BT.
Telephone Preference Service
To protect anyone you care for from phone scams, you can register with the Telephone Preference Service. As with the Mail Preference Service, the TPS offers a free register for individuals who do not wish to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. To register, call 0845 070 0707
Free eye test in your own home
For all those who cannot visit an optician unattended, including people with dementia Tel: 0500 295 245
Blue Badge Scheme
If the person you care for has serious mobility problems or is unsafe to walk independently because they are confused, they may be able to get a special permit for easier public parking. Telephone your local Council Offices for details.
There is a blue badge protector which can be purchased from www.thepieguide.com/shop. This is to protect the badge from being stolen from the car
Staying Put or Care and Repair
Enables people to remain in their own homes by helping them to repair, improve or adapt their homes. They also help with benefits and apply for grants to have work done. Telephone your local Council for details.
Lifeline
Many carers feel safer having a portable alarm that can be worn and is linked to a 24 hr telephone control centre. If help is needed, such as the carer feels very ill the control centre can be contacted and they will contact help. Telephone your local Council for details.
Carer's Card
It important for carers to carry a card explaining that they have someone with dementia at home, and that should they be taken ill, or have an accident, help needs to be sent to look after the person with dementia.