Sarah’s husband Arthur was referred to Kirklees Dementia Hub service following his diagnosis of dementia in September 2018.
Sarah didn’t know too much about dementia and wanted to learn about the diagnosis to find out how she could support her husband and find out what help was available in the local community. She was initially quite apprehensive and didn’t know what to expect as well as having to come to terms with her husband’s diagnosis.
“When my husband received the diagnosis from the memory services. I felt really surprised and shocked as I initially thought it was just old age. We could have had an early diagnosis if I knew little bit more about this condition. The whole process of receiving the diagnosis was quite smooth and all the professionals involved in the process were really helpful.”
After memory services had referred her and her husband to the Kirklees Dementia Hub (KDH) she was invited to a one-to-one welcome session which enabled her to ask questions in confidential environment and complete a personal plan.
“It made me realise what sort of support my husband needed, which services we can access and how much support was out there. It was nice to know that I wasn’t alone and recognise that I may need support too as a carer. It was also nice to meet our support worker.”
There are a variety of information & advice sessions offered from the service: Sarah attended one about dementia which provides a basic understanding of the diagnosis and the different types of dementia; a finance session which covers financial support carers can apply for such as attendance allowance and council tax discount; and medication session discussing which types of medication are used for the symptoms of dementia.
The group sessions also mean that carers can meet other carers in a similar situation to themselves.
Sarah now feels a lot more confident and knowledgeable about dementia and what support she can access.
“I have found the KDH service to be excellent, the support workers have been really helpful and I know there is someone there if I need any help or support. They have provided me with lots of information about other services I can benefit from as and when I need them and I’ve enjoyed the information sessions I’ve attended so far and look forward to attending them in the future.”
Published on March 15, 2022