Memory Service

Referrals to the Memory Service

If you or someone you know is noticing problems with their memory we recommend that you visit your GP who will discuss your concerns. Visiting your GP will help to rule out other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms such as dementia. Your GP will make the decision about referring you to the Memory Service for further assessment.

Office hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Telephone number: 01983 534411

Consultant Psychiatrist

Three consultant psychiatrists work within the Memory Service, each covering one third of the Island. They carry out initial assessments of people who have been referred with memory problems by their GP. Assessments take place in outpatient clinics, care homes and a person's own home. They will make an appropriate diagnosis, refer for any necessary investigations and advise about any relevant treatment. They provide advice to GPs and other colleagues about treatment.

Clinical Psychologist

The Clinical Psychologist provides a neuropsychological assessment service for people referred to the Memory Service. Neuropsychological assessment involves answering questions and completing tasks in order to assess brain functioning. It is recommended for the assessment of memory impairment, especially when the diagnosis is not clear.

Post Diagnostic Support

Following a diagnosis of dementia by the Consultant Psychiatrist people are referred for Post Diagnostic Support (PDS). This provides support and advice in relation to the person’s diagnosis. This is carried out by a Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) specialising in dementia. This session is about an hour and usually takes place in the persons’ home. Family members can also benefit from being present.

It is an information giving session looking at support services and groups that are available locally. The CPN will help to direct people to the relevant services appropriate at the time or possibly in the future. They will discuss any wider issues that people may have about their diagnosis. The CPN will provide written information, known as a care plan that is relevant to the persons’ current situation and for future reference.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists enable people with dementia to continue participating in their every day activities and remain independent for as long as possible. We can assist with:

• Sharing memories through life stories
• Assessing the safety and environment of the home
• Educating and supporting families, carers and care home staff
• Helping family, friends, carers to understand a person who may present with distressed behaviour
• Accessing appropriate services.

People who have received a diagnosis of dementia can be referred to the Memory Service Occupational Therapist by the GP, Consultant Psychiatrist, or associated professionals.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

The Memory Service offers Cognitive Stimulation Therapy as a part of the treatment following diagnosis. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy aims to engage and stimulate people in a friendly and enjoyable group setting. The research on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy shows that it improves and helps maintain thinking abilities as well as general wellbeing.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is an evidence based therapy for people with mild to moderate dementia. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy consists of 16 sessions of themed activities over 8 weeks. A typical session would involve an introduction, a discussion about current new stories and a programme of activities arranged around a particular theme.

Each session last 2 hours. There is small charge for refreshments.

Maintenance CST

At the end of the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy programme you may be invited to attend the Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Group. This involves attending one session per week over a 24 week period. These groups involve similar activities to the 8 week programme and provide time for social interaction.

 Each session lasts 4 ½ hours and includes tea and coffee there is a small charge for this. Lunch can be purchased at the venue or you can bring your own lunch.

What happens at the end of my treatment programme?

At the end of the 24 week maintenance treatment programme you will be discharged from the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Group. You may wish to continue in a community group and will be signposted to these services run by voluntary organisations such as Age UK.

Please see attached Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Group leaflet for details.

Memory Service Nurse Liaison Team

The Liaison Team are based within the Memory Service and provide daily input onto the acute wards at St Mary’s Hospital.

The Liaison Team has specialist nurses and health care assistants. They have the expertise, knowledge and skill sharing in order to provide high quality care to anyone who is experiencing difficulties with their memory.

They offer support and advise to patients, their families and carers’ by ensuring they receive compassionate care to ease any concerns.

The Liaison team can be contacted Monday to Friday 8.30 – 4.30
Tel: (01983) 822099   Ext: 5399

Additional Services:
Social Services (Care and Support)

Isle of Wight Adult Social Care provide a community service – see link below.

People living with dementia who are referred to Adult Social Services will be assessed by the First Response Duty Team. This assessment will help to identify the needs of the person with dementia and those who support them. Depending upon the outcome of the assessment, advice and guidance will be offered.

Carers’ are entitled to an assessment in their own right, and can request this.

Referrals

Referrals to Social Services can be made in different ways, for example via the GP, visiting Health Professional, family member or friend.

Contact Details

First Response Duty:    01983 814980
All other enquires:       01983 823340
For further information:
Website Link                     www.iwight.com/Residents/Care-and-Support

Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Workers

The Dementia Support Workers are based within the Memory Service Team.  They offer information and advice to people and/or their carers to improve understanding of dementia. They also offer support to the person and/or carers to strengthen and build upon existing networks.

If you would like further information please call the local office on 02392 892035 or email Portsmouth@alzheimers.org.uk