Five key takeaways from this year’s dementia conferences
Hannah Gardner, Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People, shares her key learnings from this year’s dementia conferences.
Admiral Nurse clinic appointments give families the opportunity to seek specialist advice, support and clinical guidance about dementia, in confidence. The Admiral Nurses have the skills, knowledge and experience to talk about:
- understanding the diagnosis and advice on next steps
- practical tips and advice for caring for a loved one with dementia
- feelings of loss and grief
- exploring work/life balance when caring for someone
- advice on complex issues, such as dealing with false beliefs, distressed behaviour, and family conflict
- managing changes in personality and behaviour
- exploring strategies to improve the carer’s mental and physical wellbeing
- signposting to further services
- guidance with finance, legal and benefits matters
- planning for the future and decision making
- transition into nursing or residential home
- hospital/care home concerns
- supporting the carer in identifying risk and keeping the person with dementia safe
This list is by no means exhaustive. There are as many different circumstances as there are families facing dementia. Admiral Nurses take the time to truly listen to a family’s situation, and suggest methods to deal with symptoms and coping strategies for the challenges dementia can bring.
Who can access this service?
If you’re a carer or family member supporting someone who is living with dementia and you’re registered with the participating practices in your area, you can call or email your local clinic.
- Appointments are available up to one month in advance and must be booked at least 24 hours before your preferred date
- Clinic days: Every Tuesday and Thursday
- Times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, and 3pm
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Format: Choose between a video call or a telephone appointment
- For questions about the clinics, please contact blacclinics@dementiauk.org
- Email: CharnwoodClinic@dementiauk.org
- Phone number: 01509 271019
- available to anyone in the Charnwood area
- Online booking: Charnwood Admiral Nurse clinic
- Please note that this service is temporarily closed while the Admiral Nurse is on maternity leave
- Email: foundrylewes@dementiauk.org
- Phone number: 01273 032302
- Available if you and/or the person you care for are registered with Foundry Healthcare PCN (Anchor Field, River Lodge, St. Andrew’s, School Hill)
- Online booking: Foundry Healthcare Lewes Admiral Nurse Clinic
The service provides clinical guidance to members of the LGBTQ+ community, their families and carers, as well as raising awareness; promoting inclusivity within the services we provide; influencing policy work; supporting research; and developing educational resources.
- Email: mhboroclinics@dementiauk.org
- Phone number: 01858 451040
- available to anyone in the Market Harborough and Kibworth area
- Online booking: Market Harborough Admiral Nurse clinics
Our dementia clinics are being held at selected Nationwide branches across the UK. All appointments are confidential and will take place in a private space within the branch.
If you’re not registered with an eligible GP Practice, but you have any questions or concerns about dementia, you can speak with one of Dementia UK’s nurses on the free Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline or book a virtual appointment.
- PFA For members of the Professional Football Association and their families
- Rugby League Cares For current and former professional Rugby League players
- Charity for Civil Servants For current, former and retired civil servants and their dependants
- ICE Benevolent Fund For current or past members of the Institution of Civil Engineers
- Support Network, The Benevolent Fund for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
These clinics are provided for Dementia UK and partnership employees.
Appointments can take place over the telephone, via a video link or in person at the relevant surgery (depending on restrictions).
Call 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org. The Helpline is open seven days a week, Monday-Friday 9am-9pm and at weekends 9am-5pm.
When is the Admiral Nurse service available?
Clinic appointments will typically be available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. However, it may be possible to book an appointment outside of these core hours to meet the needs of family carers.
Clinic attendeeI just wanted to offer a heartfelt thanks for today’s appointment. I am so grateful for the advice and kind words. The nurse provided clarity on a topic which has consumed me and left me puzzled for so long, and I truly can see my whole family’s day to day life improving upon the strength and guidance she has provided. This may all sound rather dramatic, but words can’t express the struggle it has been so far, and today it felt like there may be light at the end of the tunnel.
Feedback and confidentiality
By engaging with the service you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy notice. If you have any difficulty accessing these, you must tell us before your appointment.
If you have any feedback you would like to make following your appointment, or about this service please email us at clinicsfeedback@dementiauk.org.
Book an appointment with an Admiral Nurse
Our virtual clinics give you the chance to discuss any questions or concerns with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse by phone or video call, at a time that suits you.
