The number of people with dementia in Berkshire is growing, as is to be expected with the ageing population.
Caring for someone with dementia is undoubtedly challenging, so, it is important to be aware of where to go for dementia care support. For comprehensive advice on navigating your caring role please see our guide to looking after someone with dementia.
This guide will look at care services across Berkshire for people with dementia. From specialist NHS dementia teams to local dementia charities, there is sure to be support to suit your relative’s needs.
It is also important to take care of yourself. Talking to others in carer support groups in Berkshire can prove really useful.
There is also a good provision of dementia-friendly cafes and activities across the county. Carers are welcome to join in, or such services can be used as respite. For more information, please see our guide to dementia-friendly Berkshire.
NHS Services for People with Dementia in Berkshire
Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs)
CCGs (Clinical Commissioning Groups) commission most of the hospital and community NHS services for the local areas that they are responsible for. Commissioning involves deciding which services are needed by the local population and then ensuring that they are provided. All GP practices and nursing teams belong to an overarching CCG. GPs are your first point of call for a dementia diagnosis.
Berkshire is covered by two CCGs:
For more information on how healthcare is set up please see our guide to local NHS & care services across Berkshire.
Memory Service
The Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust’s specialist memory service can assess cognitive ability. Early diagnosis of dementia means it is easier to retain a high quality of life and independence.
The memory service can be provided at a local clinic or in the home. It is recommended that a family member or carer comes along to the appointment as they can help explain recent changes. Memory and other skills are assessed. Sometimes, further assessment such as brain scans are required. The result of these assessments allows for signposting to the appropriate support and treatment.
Referrals to the memory service come from local GPs. There are six memory clinics across Berkshire:
Care Homes for People with Dementia in Berkshire
You may find that it is best for all that your relative moves into a care home. If so, please see our practical guide to finding a care home. Some areas of Berkshire may be more suitable than others in terms of local amenities, transport links and cost. For more information, please read our guide to choosing a care home location in Berkshire.
There are over 50 care homes in Berkshire that look after people with dementia. You can search on the housing care directory and filter by area.
Local Charities Supporting People with Dementia in Berkshire
Age UK Berkshire Dementia Support
The Age UK Berkshire service provides ongoing, one-to-one support for people with memory loss or those living with dementia. It can also give some respite to carers.
This service is user-led and planned according to the individual’s needs. One-to-one support can be provided in the home or elsewhere, depending on needs and interests. The service aims to complement those provided by other voluntary organisations and the NHS. It costs £20 an hour.
In addition, Age UK Berkshire run a once monthly activity session for those with Dementia at The Sue Ryder centre at Wokingham Hospital. A hot lunch is provided along with activities and a friendly atmosphere.
Age UK Reading is developing groups based on the Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) model, supporting older people living with mild to moderate dementia.
Cognitive Stimulation is the only non-drug treatment recommended to improve cognition, independence and well-being by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Three groups meet weekly in Woodley and Reading. You need to apply for this service, and there is a charge. You can find out more information here.
- Telephone: 0118 959 4242
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Age UK Reading
Age UK Reading operates a number of groups based on the Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) model, supporting older people living with mild to moderate dementia.
They operate 3 clubs, Woodly, Caversham and Coley, with a 24-week rolling programme, with no limit on how long someone can attend.
Tuesday – Woodley 11am-1.30pm
Wednesday – Caversham, 11am – 1.30pm
Thursday – Coley, 11am-1.30pm
Friday – Woodley, 11.15am-1.45pm
To find out more, including costs: [email protected] or call 0118 950 2480
Alzheimers Dementia Support, East Berkshire
Alzheimers Dementia Support (ADS) is a charity which offers constructive, practical guidance and activities for the local community affected by dementia. The charity has a small office in Maidenhead, but covers East Berkshire including Ascot, Langley, Maidenhead, Slough and Windsor.
Services provided are fun and sociable those with dementia and their carers. These include gentle exercise, trips out, singing, tea, dances and talks on dementia. For more information on what’s on offer and to get involved, visit the website or get in touch with the charity, using the contact details listed below.
- Telephone: 07516 165647 (Terrie Hall)
- Email: [email protected]
- Enquiry Form
- Visit Website
Alzheimer's Society Berkshire
The Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s largest dementia charity. In Berkshire, the charity runs dementia support services from two hubs, where information and practical guidance on understanding and coping with dementia can be accessed. This support can be offered face to face, over the phone or in writing.
The Alzheimer’s Society also has a dementia directory listing a range of dementia support services provided by smaller organisations. This includes care homes, day cares and social groups, so is a useful resource when thinking about looking after your relative.
East Berkshire
- Address: 6 North Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1PL
- Telephone: 01628 626331
- Email: [email protected]
West Berkshire
- Address: Part of 2nd Floor, 118-128 London Street, Reading RG1 4SJ
- Telephone: 0118 959 6482
- Email: [email protected]
