Dementia specialist Admiral Nurses will host a clinic at Falkirk High Street Nationwide branch next month to offer tailored support and guidance to anyone affected by the condition.

Nationwide and Dementia UK’s free face-to-face clinics are returning to branches in Scotland – coming to Falkirk High Street on Monday, November 16 – offering specialist support in a safe, comfortable and private space for people to discuss any aspect of dementia.

Hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, the clinics are open to anyone impacted by dementia, offering life-changing support to families and individuals in the area. Appointments can be booked via Dementia UK’s website here.

The clinics will offer practical and emotional advice on all aspects of dementia – from worries about symptoms through to getting a diagnosis and understanding how the condition can progress.

The free clinic will give people advice about living with dementia (Picture: Submitted)

placeholder image — The free clinic will give people advice about living with dementia (Picture: Submitted)

Nearly one million people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK today. A diagnosis can bring many questions for the person living with dementia and those around them, from understanding what support is available to planning for the future.

To help carers find and access practical support after a diagnosis, Dementia UK has issued a list of tips and advice.

Ask about follow-up appointments – after a dementia diagnosis, it can help to find out whether there will be further appointments with healthcare professionals, how often they will take place and how to book them. It is also useful to ask who the main point of contact will be for coordinating health and social care support, such as their GP, social worker or memory clinic

Get support with managing medication – if medication is prescribed after a diagnosis, families may find it helpful to speak to a healthcare professional or pharmacist about how to manage it day to day. Simple support, such as repeat prescriptions, home delivery or dosette boxes may help to make things feel more manageable.

Talk to family and friends about the diagnosis – sharing a dementia diagnosis with family and friends can feel difficult, but it may help those close to you understand how they can offer support. If children or young people are affected, try to explain things honestly in a way that feels right for their age.

Take practical steps to plan ahead – planning for the future can feel difficult, but doing it early can help families feel more prepared, and ensures the person living with dementia is involved in decisions about their care.

Caring for a person with dementia can be physically and mentally demanding, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone - Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses are there to support the whole family.

Lesley Potter, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: "We’re looking forward to returning to Scotland to offer support and advice to families affected by dementia. Since launching our partnership with Nationwide Building Society, we have seen the difference it can make to bring specialist dementia support into local communities.

"These clinics give people the chance to speak to an Admiral Nurse about any aspect of dementia, from understanding a diagnosis to finding practical support in a safe and accessible place, helping to ensure no one faces dementia alone.”

Visit the website to book an appointment or get more information.