National Dementia Helpline High quality information, advice and emotional support to anyone affected by dementia Seven day service: 9am-8pm Mon-Wed, 9am-5pm Thu-Fri and 10am-4pm weekends 40,794 contacts between April 2015 to March 2016, up 12% on the previous year Support via phone (92%), email, Live Online Advice, Facebook, Twitter, and letter Trained advisers across two sites: London and Belfast Access to Join, LPA and Continuing Care services Support available in most languages via telephone interpreter service ________________________________________________________________________________________ alzheimers.org.uk

How people find us Alzheimer’s Society sources: Website, Talking Point forum and podcasts Local services Publications Fundraising communications and events GP surgeries, hospitals and social services Social networks Press stories about dementia – risk factors, living with dementia, caring, research and drug trials, funding, home care visits, care homes ________________________________________________________________________________________ alzheimers.org.uk

How the helpline helps We offer information and non-directive, non-judgemental advice and emotional support on any dementia related issue: Information about dementia and its varying effects on people Person centred caring strategies that work with the person’s abilities Accessing treatment, care and support through local services and health and social care Paying for care and accessing financial support Research into treatments and cure (Join Dementia Research helpdesk) Mental Capacity and Mental Health Acts, powers of attorney and deputyship Safeguarding vulnerable adults (referrals to social services and 999) Decision making about care at home and the move into residential care End of life and palliative care Strong feelings of despair and loss, including suicidal feelings Calls can last from a couple of minutes signposting local support to an hour, exploring a range of complex issues and emotions ________________________________________________________________________________________ alzheimers.org.uk

The impact of the helpline ‘Thank you so much for your email below & your help & advice during our phone conversation. I really do appreciate the support & will certainly look into some of the suggested links & other support groups.’ – Daughter of parents with dementia ‘I cannot thank you enough for your continued help and support. I can assure you it is greatly appreciated. Once again thanks it is reassuring that someone is there to help.’ – Partner and carer of lady with dementia ‘You have been such a great help since the beginning. I just want to say Thank you very much!’ – Daughter of mother with Alzheimer’s living in another country ‘I just had to say thank you for all the information/help/advice and understanding in your email reply to my question. An immediate response, packed full of relevant and useful (and relief making!) information was just what I was looking for. What a marvellous job/organisation! Thank you thank you! We have enough for now and will certainly call/email again if we need to.’ – Daughter of father with dementia ________________________________________________________________________________________ alzheimers.org.uk