Support for Immigrant Families Living With Dementia: Your Rights and How to Get Help

 

If you or someone in your family has dementia and you have moved to the UK from another country, you may feel unsure where to start or whether you are even entitled to help.

 

This page explains exactly what support immigrant families can receive and how to access it, no matter your background, language, or culture.

 

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1. You Have the Right to NHS Care — Regardless of Your Immigration Status

 

The NHS is for everyone.

 

✔ You do not need a British passport

✔ You do not need settled status

✔ You do not need to be a UK citizen

 

You are allowed to:

 

• Register with a GP

• Receive dementia assessments

• Access memory clinics

• Get medication

• Use interpreters

 

NHS interpreting services are free.

 

If you struggle with English, you can request an interpreter for every appointment.

 

 

How to register with a GP

 

1. Find a GP near your home (use “Find a GP NHS UK”).

2. Go to reception and say:

   “I would like to register. I need an interpreter.”

3. You do not need proof of address, a passport, or immigration documents.

4. Your GP will refer you to a memory clinic if needed.

 

 

2. Memory Clinics: Your Pathway to Diagnosis and Treatment

 

The GP will refer your loved one to a memory clinic for:

 

• Memory testing

• Brain scans (if needed)

• Diagnosis

• Information on treatment

• Support for the family

 

You can ask for:

 

✔ an interpreter

✔ written information in your language

✔ help understanding the diagnosis

 

A diagnosis helps you access more support.

 

 

3. Social Care Support from the Local Council

 

Immigrant families are often unaware of this, but everyone living in the UK is entitled to a Social Care Needs Assessment, provided by your local council.

 

A Social Care Assessment can provide:

 

• Home-care support

• Day centres

• Respite care

• Safety equipment at home

• Help for the carer

• Specialist dementia support

 

This assessment is free.

 

 

How to request a Social Care Assessment

 

Call your local council’s Adult Social Care department and say:

 

“I am caring for someone with dementia. I would like a Needs Assessment.”

 

They cannot refuse based on immigration status.

 

 

4. Carer Support — Even If You Are Not the Patient

 

If you look after someone with dementia, you have the right to a Carer’s Assessment, even if the person you care for does not want services.

 

A Carer’s Assessment can provide:

 

• Emotional support

• Breaks from caring

• Referrals to groups

• Equipment to reduce strain

• Information about benefits

 

Again, this is free and available to all carers.

 

 

5. Benefits and Financial Support

 

Many immigrant families do not realise they may be entitled to:

 

 

Attendance Allowance

 

For people over 65 who need help with daily activities (regardless of income).

 

 

Carer’s Allowance

 

If you provide at least 35 hours of care per week.

Eligibility depends partly on the carer’s immigration status.

 

 

Council Tax Reduction (Severe Mental Impairment exemption)

 

People with dementia often qualify for this.

This applies regardless of nationality.

 

 

Blue Badge

 

For mobility difficulties.

 

 

Pension Credit and other benefits

 

For older adults with low income.

 

 

Important

 

Some benefits depend on immigration status; others (like Attendance Allowance and Council Tax reduction) do not.

 

Your local Citizens Advice, Age UK, or carers’ organisations can help you check eligibility and fill in forms.

 

 

6. Support for People Who Don’t Speak English

 

Your loved one has the right to:

 

✔ professional interpreters at GP and hospital appointments

✔ translated written information

✔ dementia assessments adapted to their language and culture

✔ a bilingual support worker (in some areas)

✔ communication aids and culturally familiar activities

 

If English is difficult, you can say:

 

“We need all appointments with an interpreter.”

 

The NHS will arrange this automatically.

 

 

7. Where to Get Help in Your Community

 

Immigrant families often receive excellent support from:

 

 

Faith groups

 

• Mosques

• Mandirs

• Churches

• Gurdwaras

• Jamaatkhanas

 

 

Charities

 

• Age UK

• Alzheimer’s Society

• Carers Centres

• Dementia Hubs

• Refugee support groups

 

 

Cultural community organisations

 

These often offer activities, advice, translation services, and emotional support.

 

 

Your GP practice

 

GPs can refer you to:

 

• Memory clinics

• Occupational therapy

• Social care

• Mental health support

• Carer support groups

 

You do not need to manage this alone.

 

 

8. What to Do If You Are Afraid of Authorities

 

Many immigrant families come from countries where government services cannot be trusted.

This fear is understandable.

 

But in the UK:

 

• The NHS does not share information with immigration enforcement.

• Using dementia services will not affect your right to remain.

• Social care does not ask about immigration status.

• Asking for help will not harm your family.

 

You are safe to seek support.

 

 

9. A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Immigrant Families

 

 

Step 1: Register with a GP

 

Ask for an interpreter.

You do not need documents.

 

 

Step 2: Ask for a referral to a memory clinic

 

Tell the GP about the symptoms.

 

 

Step 3: Request a Social Care Needs Assessment

 

Call your council directly.

 

 

Step 4: Ask for a Carer’s Assessment for yourself

 

You deserve support too.

 

 

Step 5: Apply for financial help (if eligible)

 

Citizens Advice or Age UK can help.

 

 

Step 6: Connect with community or faith groups

 

You do not need to struggle alone.

 

 

Remember: You Deserve Help and Understanding

 

Dementia is difficult for any family, but navigating it in a new country, a new system, and possibly a new language is especially hard.

 

You are entitled to:

 

• Respect

• Support

• Clear information

• Cultural understanding

• Help for the person you love

• Help for yourself