Help and support for people with dementia
A dementia diagnosis can come as a shock to the person with the condition and those around them. However, there are sources of help and support for everyone involved.
Your care plan
Following a diagnosis of dementia, it’s recommended that you have a care plan. This should set out what sort of care you, and people who care for you, might need. It's not the same as a needs assessment.
Your care plan should include:
- how you can keep doing the things that are important to you for as long as possible
- information about services that can help you and how to access them
- any health conditions you have that need regular monitoring
- the name of a health or social care person who will coordinate the different kinds of support you may need
Your care plan should be reviewed at least once a year.
Local services can help you develop a care plan. These services could include a memory assessment service, your local Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust and a GP.
Dementia navigators
Dementia navigators offer person‑centred support to people living with dementia, their families, and carers.
They act as a consistent point of contact, helping people to understand their diagnosis, access the right support, and stay connected to services that can help them live well with dementia.
Dementia navigators can support by:
- offering clear information about dementia and what to expect after diagnosis
- offering emotional support and space to talk about any worries or concerns
- helping people stay independent with practical tips and guidance
- connecting people to community, voluntary, and statutory services
- signposting to social activities, support groups, and dementia‑friendly services
- supporting carers and family members to understand the condition and find help when needed
What to expect
Dementia navigator support may include:
- a one‑to‑one conversation by phone or in person
- information about services and supports available
- a personalised plan to help people live well and plan for the future
- signposting or referrals to specialist services when needed
To find out more about dementia navigators in your Trust area, visit the relevant link below:
- Dementia navigator - Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
- Dementia navigator - Northern Health and Social Care Trust
- Memory/ dementia service - Southern Health and Social Care Trust
- Dementia - South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
- Dementia services - Western Health and Social Care Trust
Getting a needs assessment
If you find you need help to manage everyday tasks like washing, dressing or cooking, it's advisable to get a needs assessment from your HSC Trust.
Ideally, this assessment should take place face to face. It's a good idea to have a relative or friend with you if you're not confident explaining your situation. They can also take notes for you.
If the needs assessment identifies you need help, such as a carer to help with personal care (washing and dressing), meals delivered to your home, or a personal alarm, you'll then have a financial assessment (means test) to see how much you'll contribute to the cost of your care.
If you're caring for someone with dementia, you may also be eligible for Carer's Allowance and support from your HSC Trust. You should ask for a carer's assessment.
Care options for people with dementia
Living in your own home
Many people with mild-to-moderate dementia can stay in their own home and live well if they have the right support. Being in familiar surroundings can help people cope better with their condition.
For further information visit:
Moving into a care home
As the symptoms of dementia will get worse over time, many people eventually need support in a care home.
Depending on their needs, this could be a residential care home or a nursing home that offers services for people with dementia.
If you've been caring for a partner or relative with dementia, this can be a hard decision to make. Talk through your concerns with friends and family.
You will still be involved in the care and support of the person with dementia after they move to a care home.
You may be able to arrange a trial period in a care home for the person you care for.
Your HSC Trust will have to carry out another needs assessment to confirm the need to go into a care home and a financial assessment to decide how much the person will have to pay towards their care home fees.
You can find out more at:
NHS support for dementia
NHS help for dementia includes the treatment you receive from your GP and hospital. It can also include other types of healthcare, such as:
- physiotherapy
- hearing care (audiology)
- sight tests (opticians)
- dental care
- speech and language therapy
- Dementia and sight loss
Charities for people with dementia
There are several dementia charities that offer advice and support.
Alzheimer's Society
One of the main dementia charities is Alzheimer's Society. Its website has information on all conditions that cause dementia, not just Alzheimer's disease.
It also has information and advice about living with dementia and finding help and support near you.
Alzheimer's Society runs the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456, which offers information and advice about dementia.
Dementia NI
Dementia NI is member-led by people living with a diagnosis of dementia.
It is a regional organisation dedicated to empowering people with a diagnosis to live well and drive positive change in dementia services and policy.
Age NI
Age NI - the charity for older people in Northern Ireland offers help, support and advice through their many services.
Dementia UK
Dementia UK is a specialised dementia nursing charity that supports people with dementia and their families.
Alzheimer's Research UK
Alzheimer's Research UK carries out dementia research but also answers questions about dementia and dementia research, including how you and your family and friends can get involved.
The charity's helpline is 0300 111 5 111.
Age UK
Age UK has advice on a range of topics, including:
- advance care planning
- benefits
- choosing a care home
- local activities and services for those with dementia
It runs a free Age UK Advice Line on 0800 055 6112.
Carers UK
Carers UK is a national charity for carers, providing information and advice from benefits to practical support.
Join a forum
Online forums are a good way to share your experiences of living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia, as well as reading what others are going through.
Dementia Support Forum is the Alzheimer's Society's forum. It has people with dementia sharing their information and advice, and supporting each other.
Carers can also turn to online communities on the Carers UK forum.
HSC apps library for dementia support
Dementia can bring daily challenges for both individuals and their carers - but digital health apps can offer gentle, accessible support to help maintain independence, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.
The HSC apps library is a digital service which groups together safe, trusted health and care apps to provide information and guidance on the dementia, mental health and other conditions.
These apps may include:
- memory aids
- daily routines
- calming activities
- cognitive exercises
Many also offer support for carers, with practical guidance, wellbeing tips, and tools to help manage day-to-day care.
Used alone or alongside professional support, these trusted, evidence-informed tools can help people living with dementia feel more supported, connected, and confident in everyday life.
Reading about dementia
Reading Well offers support for people with dementia, their relatives and carers, or for those who would just like to find out more about the condition.
GPs and other healthcare professionals can recommend titles from a list of books about dementia. The books are available for anyone to borrow free from their local library.