Are you a pharmacist or dentist? Help support people affected by dementia by accessing our resources and becoming a Dementia Friend.
We need pharmacies and dentists to take action and support people affected by dementia at this difficult time to keep them safe and connected to their community in new and creative ways.
Here are some of the key actions we need you to mandate to make a difference to people’s lives:
-Reassure people that medicines will still be available
- Provide free delivery services of prescriptions and medicine for vulnerable groups – advertise these services by both post and phone
- Call or text patients to remind them how to take medicine in place of face-to-face contact when people collect prescriptions
- In deliveries, include leaflets for local support services (such as Alzheimer’s Society) and details of where to seek further information, advice or support
- Please remember to signpost for people affected by dementia to our Dementia Connect support line 0333 150 3456 for advice and support.
-Ensure your patients know who to contact in the case of emergency.
- Remember that many people with dementia may be unable to say they are experiencing pain in their mouth or teeth. As you would do normally, remember to pay attention to their behaviour and how you can communicate more clearly to understand their issue.
- Even during coronavirus, it is important that the person with dementia is given the opportunity to make, or take part in, decisions about dental treatment. Explain to the person in simple terms what is being done and why, using short, simple sentences.
- For some people with dementia, dental treatment can be confusing and distressing. In these circumstances, consider whether it’s possible to make a home visit. Alternatively, it can be helpful for the person with dementia to be accompanied by someone they know. Ensure social distancing is being practiced wherever possible.
- Remember that not all patients will be online so ensure your information is made available in a number of ways, including email, websites, letters, phone calls and texts.
- In deliveries, include leaflets for local support services (such as Alzheimer’s Society) and details of where to seek further information, advice or support.
- Please remember to signpost for people affected by dementia to our Dementia Connect support line 0333 150 3456 for advice and support.
Find more information about some of the dental problems that people with dementia may face.
Become a Dementia Friend
Learn about the small things that can make a difference to people living with dementia by becoming a Dementia Friend.
Note: Community pharmacies are rewarded for delivering quality criteria through The Quality Payments Scheme. Making Dementia Friends is part of this criteria. Find out more about Quality Payments on the NHS England website.
You can also refer to guidance produced by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) to support your Dementia Friends roll-out.
Signposting
- Alzheimer's Society provides over 2,000 local services for people with dementia, alongside services offered by other providers. Use our online Dementia Directory to search for services in your local area by postcode.
- Signpost people affected by dementia to our Dementia Connect support line 0333 150 3456 for advice and support.
- Talking Point is our online community where help and advice is provided through peer support.
Dementia Support Line
We need pharmacies and dentists to take action and support people affected by dementia at this difficult time to keep them safe and connected to their community in new and creative ways.
Here are some of the key actions we need you to mandate to make a difference to people’s lives:
-Reassure people that medicines will still be available
- Provide free delivery services of prescriptions and medicine for vulnerable groups – advertise these services by both post and phone
- Call or text patients to remind them how to take medicine in place of face-to-face contact when people collect prescriptions
- In deliveries, include leaflets for local support services (such as Alzheimer’s Society) and details of where to seek further information, advice or support
- Please remember to signpost for people affected by dementia to our Dementia Connect support line 0333 150 3456 for advice and support.
-Ensure your patients know who to contact in the case of emergency.
- Remember that many people with dementia may be unable to say they are experiencing pain in their mouth or teeth. As you would do normally, remember to pay attention to their behaviour and how you can communicate more clearly to understand their issue.
- Even during coronavirus, it is important that the person with dementia is given the opportunity to make, or take part in, decisions about dental treatment. Explain to the person in simple terms what is being done and why, using short, simple sentences.
- For some people with dementia, dental treatment can be confusing and distressing. In these circumstances, consider whether it’s possible to make a home visit. Alternatively, it can be helpful for the person with dementia to be accompanied by someone they know. Ensure social distancing is being practiced wherever possible.
- Remember that not all patients will be online so ensure your information is made available in a number of ways, including email, websites, letters, phone calls and texts.
- In deliveries, include leaflets for local support services (such as Alzheimer’s Society) and details of where to seek further information, advice or support.
- Please remember to signpost for people affected by dementia to our Dementia Connect support line 0333 150 3456 for advice and support.
Find more information about some of the dental problems that people with dementia may face.
Become a Dementia Friend
Learn about the small things that can make a difference to people living with dementia by becoming a Dementia Friend.
Register your organisation today and watch up to five short videos.
Take a look at our case study with the Association of Danish Pharmacies.
Note: Community pharmacies are rewarded for delivering quality criteria through The Quality Payments Scheme. Making Dementia Friends is part of this criteria. Find out more about Quality Payments on the NHS England website.
You can also refer to guidance produced by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) to support your Dementia Friends roll-out.
Signposting
- Alzheimer's Society provides over 2,000 local services for people with dementia, alongside services offered by other providers. Use our online Dementia Directory to search for services in your local area by postcode.
- Signpost people affected by dementia to our Dementia Connect support line 0333 150 3456 for advice and support.
- Talking Point is our online community where help and advice is provided through peer support.
Dentistry specific resources
The Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) - Good practice guidelines
Mouthcare Matters - Dementia resources and training links
Further reading
Case study: What are pharmacies in Denmark doing to become more dementia-friendly?