Getting a dementia diagnosis

Get assessed for care and support

Your local authority has a duty to do a care and support needs assessment to find out what help you need.

A care and support needs assessment is free.

To receive health and social care support or services, you'll need an assessment of your needs. To find out more visit:

• Arranging health and social care

Make a will

It's a good idea to make a will if you have not made one already, so when you die, your money and possessions go to the people you choose.

You can still make or change a will, as long as you can show that you understand what you’re doing and what the effects will be. A solicitor can advise if this is the case.

• Managing your affairs and enduring power of attorney

Make sure all your important documents can be found easily.

These might include:

• bank and building society statements
• mortgage or rental documents
• insurance policies
• your will
• tax and pension details
• bills
• guarantees

Consider setting up direct debits or standing orders for your regular bills. This means they'll be paid automatically from your bank account each month.

• Dementia and managing money

Claim benefits

Make sure you're claiming all the benefits you're entitled to.

Check whether:

• you're eligible for Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance
• your carer (if you have one) is eligible for Carer’s Allowance

Information on other benefits you may be entitled to is available at:

• Over State Pension age

Managing your affairs

You may want to make plane for your future care, called an advanced care plan.

• Advance care planning: for now and for the future

This lets your family and healthcare professionals know your wishes for your care if you become unable to make decisions (lack mental capacity) in the future.

You can make one or more people an attorney to manage your affairs, including your money, property, and medical treatment, if it becomes necessary.

You can choose anyone you trust to be your attorney (usually a close friend or family member), but they must be over 18.

• Managing your affairs and enduring power of attorney

Driving

A diagnosis of dementia does not necessarily mean you have to stop driving immediately, but you must tell the DVA and your car insurance company.

• How to tell DVA about your medical condition

The Alzheimer's Society has more information about driving and dementia.

Take care of your health

It's important to look after your physical and mental health when you have dementia.

Talk to a GP if you feel you have low mood or depression. This is common in dementia, but there are treatments available.

To stay healthy:

• eat a healthy, balanced diet
• exercise regularly, such as walking every day, gardening, or doing tai chi
• ask a GP if you would benefit from having a flu vaccine   
• have regular dental, eyesight and hearing tests

See a GP if you feel unwell. Problems, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), can make you feel more confused or agitated if they're not treated quickly.

Create your life story

A memory book can be a way to stimulate your memory and reconnect you with your loved ones in the future.

Your memory book could include:

• photographs
• notes
• keepsakes from your childhood through to the present day

It can be a physical book or a digital version.

You may also want to create a digital playlist of your favourite music.

More useful links

• Dementia