stage: 2

The support available for people with dementia in the UK — most families don't know half of it

Dementia patients in the UK can access a wide range of support services. The NHS provides memory clinics, medication management, and specialist consultants. Local councils offer care assessments that can lead to funded home care packages. Charities such as Alzheimer's Society and Dementia UK provide helplines, Admiral Nurses, and local support groups. Carers are also entitled to their own needs assessment. Attendance Allowance and other benefits can help with costs. Many GP surgeries have dementia leads who can coordinate care. As the condition progresses, day centres, respite care, and eventually residential care homes become part of the support picture. Early diagnosis makes accessing all of these services much easier.