updated 8th January 2021

Once again we will be supporting all our families through the third lockdown. We know how hard social isolation can be for people living with dementia and their family carers, and are so pleased that most of our services are this time able to open as usual, with careful procedures to keep everyone safe.

Below is an outline of what we'll be doing. Please follow the links for more detailed information about each service and how it can support you. 

Home Support

Our Home Support is operating as usual. Support workers wear PPE and follow careful protocols to enable them to continue to offer much-needed social interaction and stimulation, and to give family carers a break. The same support worker visits each time for one-to-one,  two or three-hourly visits, allowing people living with dementia to enjoy companionship at home and carefully planned outings.

Dementia Advisers

Our team of 10 Dementia Advisers are working as usual, mostly by phone and with discretionary home visits. Please note you do not need a diagnosis to access this advice and support.  

Day care

Our three day clubs are remaining open after receiving updated guidance from Public Health England and Wiltshire Council. We follow strict protocols throughout the club day and will continue to seek guidance to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe. We know what a lifeline the clubs are and it was a real boost for members, staff and volunteers to learn that we could remain open doing what we do best. If we do need to close a club for a short time as a precaution we will keep in close touch with families.

Community groups

We will open a select number of Music and Movement groups where venues are open and where they are particularly needed, and will aim to stream these live to those who cannot attend in person. Other community groups including Music, Movement and art will be offered online via Zoom as in previous lockdowns. We are getting good at this now! While it is not for everyone, it has been a lifeline for many and look forward to seeing you there.

How we are staying in touch

We are remaining in very regular contact with all our families. If you are not attending your usual service member of staff you know well will phone you at the time you would normally have a visit or attend a group or club.

This will not just be a quick chat. They will ask how you are coping and they will have time to talk through any issues and give advice. They will ask if there is anything you need, and arrange help with shopping or collecting prescriptions if needed. 

Working together

We remain in close touch with other voluntary sector organisations, Wiltshire Council and health providers. This helps us to share information and ensure no-one gets forgotten.

Other support

Please see our advice on coping at home and activities page which is regularly updated.

Virtual Music for the Mind

Virtual Movement for the Mind

Our guide to getting on Zoom

We are also sending out art packs of materials for creative projects at home.