Salix FAQs
This FAQ seeks to answer questions relating to Salix's services, diagnosis for yourself or a family member, caring for a family member or friend, and related issues.
Please refer to Dementia Basics for answers to some of the commoner question lay people have about dementia. For more detailed information on the dementias, refer to our articles on the dementias. For information on Dayspring training, please refer to the Dayspring FAQ.
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How do I get a diagnosis for my mother?
A diagnosis must be made by a medical practitioner. Most GPs will diagnose by asking the person thought to have dementia some questions, and perhaps asking them to complete some kind of cognitive test. A competent GP will not rely entirely on cognitive testing (the tests leave a lot to be desired). It is unusual, unless the person is in the early onset age range (below 65 yrs), to order brain-scans.
Errors are sometimes made, although professionals can often see the progress of their disease in people they see frequently. It should be noted that some people with dementia are never properly diagnosed and this doesn't always mean that they can't access services. It does, however, mean that they will be unable to access drug treatments when these are available.
There are also many other (treatable) conditions which may mimic dementias. It is sensible, and humane, to make sure your relative does not have one of these. Some conditions which may appear similar to dementias are thyroid problems, Parkinson's Disease, some depressions. Best to make as sure as possible.
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My father has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. How can you help me?
Firstly, we can give you information about Alzheimer's Disease. It is very important to have good, up-to-date information as things change rapidly in the speciality. We are usually available on the telephone if you want to talk about what you have read or other issues which have come up for you.
If you want to talk to someone who understands and obtain personal support, you can make an appointment with one of our experienced workers. Some people find that one appointment or irregular appointments are helpful; some find regular (usually weekly) counselling helps more. We can sometimes provide a befriender for your relative - a specialised dementia worker who will visit the person with dementia at home and provide diversions and, perhaps, take them out; for a walk, shopping, for a coffee, swimming or bowling.
Salix's Carers Education course could also help you. In a group of up to 8 other people, carers learn about the dementias and what to expect - as well as being assisted to develop coping strategies. Contact us to learn more about it.
There are Factsheets, also, on several of the dementias: more will be added over time.. Factsheets on other matters, e.g. Assessments, Diagnosis, Treatments, Activities, Behaviour, Ethical Issues, Issues Around Food etc., are issued from time to time.
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My husband hasn't been diagnosed with dementia but he forgets everything and doesn't always know who I am. Can you help us?
Yes, we can. It is important to get a proper diagnosis from a qualified doctor - so that any other (curable) disease may be ruled out and, if there is a suitable treatment, it may be tried. You do not, however, need to have a diagnosis before we can help.
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My wife has been admitted to a Care Home. There's nothing you can do for me, right?
There is, you know. Information, as above, is always available, as is our Brainworks - Carers Education course. Sometimes a Befriender can visit the home, with or without you, and you can ask our Special Projects division whether it could set-up a Golden Years Rock project in the Care Home. With the co-operation of the home's management and staff, this can be a real aid to settling in and being part of the group of new people.
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I am very grateful for what a dementia day care project has done for me. Can I volunteer to help in one?
We recommend that you have at least a year between the death of your loved one and doing volunteer work with a project for people with dementia. This is mainly to protect you and is part of getting your life back. We can offer you support in finding other volunteer work in a variety of settings - then, after a year, if you still want to volunteer for a dementia project, you apply on the same basis as any other volunteer.
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Our granddaughter is 14 and she is very upset that her grandmother has Stroke-related dementia. What can you do?
All our services are as open to your granddaughter as they are to you, but we have an extra one which may be even more helpful. The Alois Alzheimer Roadshow for Schools is an essay competition for 12-17 year olds in secondary education in Scotland. Workers visit the school (with co-operation from Head and staff, of course) and introduce dementia and its effects on people. The students are then challenged to research and write an essay to be entered in the competition for a £50 book token.
While the workers are in the school, they will make themselves available for any student who would like a confidential chat. It has been shown that taking a scientific interest in the subject to be studied can alleviate many fears and help the young person to deal with the situation. |
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How can I access your services for carers?
Just email or telephone us and we can tell you what is available. This may be a Brainworks group, Individual Support or other things. It sometimes depends on where you live - although we can undertake telephone support wherever you are.
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Are there any support groups near where I live?
We don't run specific Support Groups ourselves but we should be able to put you in touch with one.
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What should I expect at a Carers Education Group?
Expect other carers like yourself - and others who will be quite different! The dementias are no respecter of age, class, race, disability or any other perceived difference. What you may expect are that they will all be going through a variety of problems which you may have - and others that you won't. You can be sure of a warm welcome and confidentiality, as well as lots of information and many opportunities to ask questions. You will learn a lot and even make new friends!
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I think my friend/ relation with dementia is being abused. What should I do?
Wherever possible, abuse should be reported to the police. This is the best guarantee of your relation's safety. We understand that this may be difficult, and are very willing to help you decide what to do.
Abuse within the family is even more difficult. Caring for someone with dementia can be very stressful, and people under severe stress do things they would never normally dream of doing. Sometimes familial abuse is so severe or systematic that the authorities (not always the police) must be involved: sometimes it's an aberration, and a sign that more help is needed. If you're not sure how to help, contact us and we will explore avenues with you. Sometimes quite small things can make a big difference! |
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I've abused my relation with dementia, and I don't know what to do.
We strongly suggest that you seek help: if you don't know where to start, start by contacting us. We can offer you non-judgmental support, refer you to other sources of support, and help you to navigate bureaucracy.
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If you would like further information on any of our services, or just a chat, please telephone us on:
01577 863824
Or email: enquiries@day-spring.co.uk
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