Our Admiral Nurse was there when nobody else was – Shara’s story
Shara reflects on her journey caring for Anna, her mother, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2016.
Increasingly, appointments with GPs, memory services and other health and social care professionals are taking place remotely, by phone or video call. Read our advice on making the most of these consultations.
Pros
Cons
When you book a telephone appointment, you should receive a text, email or letter giving you the date and time.
The doctor, health or social care professional will phone you for your consultation at the allocated time.
To get the best out of a telephone appointment:
Video consultations can take place using a smartphone, tablet or computer.
They often use a well-known platform like Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams, but sometimes different apps, like Attend Anywhere (the NHS’s own video consultation app), are used.
You should be told which platform is used and provided with a link to join the consultation. If you haven’t received a link by text or email the day before your appointment, contact the health or social care service.
These tips will help you get the best from a video consultation:
If a telephone or video consultation is not suitable for you, then ask the person who arranges appointments if you can book a face-to-face appointment/home visit.
It may involve waiting a bit longer to see someone, but it should still be possible to arrange a consultation in person if needed.
If you would like to speak to a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse about making the most of remote consultations or any other aspect of dementia, please call our free Helpline on 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm) or email helpline@dementiauk.org.
If you would prefer to book a phone or video appointment with an Admiral Nurse.
Our free, confidential Dementia Helpline is staffed by our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses who provide information, advice and support with any aspect of dementia.
Shara reflects on her journey caring for Anna, her mother, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2016.
Richard shares his experience caring for his mother, Peggy, and why he’s chosen to leave a gift to Dementia UK in his Will.
Mahersh opens up on the struggles he and wife Nishma have faced in their attempts to secure CHC funding for his mother’s care.