Receiving a diagnosis of Dementia can be a worrying time, and you may not know what you need to put in place, so we have created this handy list for you to consider:

Legal

• Set up a lasting power of Attorney for your finances and for your health and welfare. Dementia is a progressive illness. There may come a time when the person living with dementia is unable to make decisions about their care and finances. Appointing someone to make decisions on their behalf and in their best interest is very important. 
• Get more information:
• www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/financial-and-legal-support/lasting-power-of-attorney/ 
• www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/financial-and-legal-support/advance-care-planning/ 
• Contact Solicitors for the Elderly to learn more: www.lifetimelawyers.org.uk/ 

 Finances

• Attendance allowance: Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs for people who have a disability severe enough that they need someone to help look after them. If you need help with applying, you can contact Citizen’s Advice. https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance 

• Council tax discount: A person with dementia may be disregarded for paying council tax. You will probably need a certificate from your GP or consultant in order to apply. You then apply to your local council. Citizens Advice can help you: Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire (southgloscab.org.uk) 

Medical and safety

• Check with your GP surgery to see if they have a Carer Register. 
• This is me: ‘This is me’ is a simple leaflet which can be used to record details about a person who can’t easily share information about themselves. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-factsheets/this-is-me
• Message in a bottle: The Lions Club’s Message in a Bottle scheme is a simple idea designed to encourage people to keep their personal and medical details on a standard form and in a common location – the fridge. https://www.scas.nhs.uk/news/campaigns/message-in-a-bottle/
• Emergency care plan: Up to 48 hours care may be available for the person you care for in the event of an emergency. This cannot cover planned events, pre-planned operations or a pre-arranged admission. https://carercentre.com/index.php/how-we-can-help/emergency-planning
• Herbert protocol: Avon and Somerset Police constabulary has a specific protocol in place aimed primarily at those that care for vulnerable people of all ages who, because of their vulnerability, may go missing. httwww.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/dementia-safeguarding-scheme-herbert-protocol/
• Sunflower lanyard: The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme is an initiative designed to act as a discreet sign that somebody has a hidden disability and requires additional assistance while out in public. Supermarkets Asda, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury’s have started using the lanyards. They usually offer them free of charge.
• Home improvements: provides provide services and products to increase independence, comfort and mobility at home (Bristol area only). www.wecr.org.uk
• Radar key: RADAR locks are fitted to help keep accessible toilets free and clean for disabled people. Keys are available from any South Gloucestershire One Stop Shop: Public facilities for safety, comfort and independence | South Gloucestershire (southglos.gov.uk)
• Home inspection by Avon Fire and Rescue Service: Assess your home safety – free service. www.avonfire.gov.uk/safety/home/home-fire-safety/request-a-visit/ 

 Utilities

• Registration with SSE: If you are a vulnerable person, SSE can make sure you have the support you need, when you need it. Their service offers: A dedicated 24 hour priority services phone number and priority updates during a power cut.  https://www.ssen.co.uk/PriorityServices/
• Registration with British Gas: You can register if you or someone in your household is of pensionable age, disabled, or has a long term illness. Your Network Operator will get in touch if your energy supply is going to be interrupted. They’ll help you figure out what to do to stay safe. You may also be eligible for a free annual check for your gas appliances. https://www.britishgas.co.uk/Priority-Service-Register
• Registration with water company: A free service for our customers who need extra support. If you have specific requirements due to your age, ill health or a disability. www.bristolwater.co.uk/home/account-and-services/your-account/priority-services 

Other

• Telephone preference service: the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free service. It is the official central opt out register on which you can record your preference not to receive unsolicited sales or marketing calls. https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/index.html
• Mail preference service: the MPS Consumer File is a list of names and addresses of consumers who have told us they wish to limit the amount of direct mail they receive. https://www.mpsonline.org.uk/consumer/what_is_mps
• Books on prescription at the library: South Gloucestershire Library Service have a selection of books about dementia and books which can be used for reminiscence. You can order these books into your local library without having to pay any booking fee. https://find-information-for-adults-children-families.southglos.gov.uk/kb5/southglos/directory/advice.page