Dementia advisers Our experienced and dedicated team of Dementia Advisers keep in regular touch with families. They provide confidential advice and up-to-date information that can help people to understand more about dementia and what might happen in the future, and to make informed decisions about care, treatment and support. They can help people affected by dementia and their families find out about the services that are available in the community, they make referrals and generally 'open doors' to available support. This can include community activities, day care, occupational therapy, respite care, advice on nutrition or speech therapy, emotional support, financial benefits and much more. They are not clinically trained but work closely with GP surgeries in their area. They take as their starting point the fact that everyone will have differing needs and preferences. Dementia Advisers will visit you at home or meet you privately at GP surgeries. They will discuss your needs and preferences and work with you to draw up a Support Plan. This will be reviewed every six months, although you can talk to your adviser at any point as your situation and needs change. Finding your Dementia Adviser Many people are referred to their Dementia Advisers by their GP or other health care professional, or you can refer yourself or someone who care for. This free service is funded by Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, with additional posts supplemented by fundraising. Complete a self-referral form Professionals referral form Our advisers Kirstie Blair covers Royal Wootton Bassett, Calne, Malmesbury, Sherston, Cricklade and Purton areasTel: 01380 739055 David Burton covers Salisbury, Hinton, Mere, Wilton and Tisbury areasTel: 01985 624005 Sharon Devine covers the Chippenham areaTel: 01380 739055 Chris Maple covers Trowbridge Tel: 01225 776481 Fanny Middleton covers Pewsey, Tidworth, Great Bedwyn, Burbage and Upavon areas Tel: 01380 739055 Claire Mitchell covers Bradford on Avon and part of Trowbridge (Lovemead Surgery patients) Tel: 01225 776481 Tina Perryman covers Devizes, Marlborough, Ramsbury and The Lavingtons. Tel: 01380 739055 Sara Purkins covers Salisbury, Amesbury, Durrington and Shrewton areasTel: 01380 739055 Tara Slater covers the Corsham and Melksham areaTel: 01380 739055 Rose Stewart covers Westbury and WarminsterTel: 01985 624005 Debbie Howcroft is our Memory Service liaison Dementia Adviser, based in South Wiltshire and working with people referred by memory services across Wiltshire. Tel: 01985 624005 Most referrals to our Dementia Advisers are made by GPs but you can refer yourself or a relative. Complete a self-referral form Professionals referral form What they say Chris spoke to me in plain English and told me so much. When he left I felt 50 times better than before he arrived. A smashing man. Just what we needed at that moment - a carer Dear Tara, I would like to thank you for the invaluable help and kindness which you have shown Mum throughout this lockdown period. Having your support has been so reassuring and extremely touching. You and your colleague Kate are indeed doing your jobs but you always go that one step further, you sprinkle your work with love and it arrives with a huge smile. You have definitely touched our lives in a special way. - a client's daughter Supporting families through the pandemic - dementia adviser Chris Maple's blog about providing support throughout the pandemic and beyond.