NHS Guidelines & Official Information
This page brings together official NHS guidance on dementia, care, and support services in England.
It is designed to sit alongside my own experience and practical suggestions.
For medical questions or urgent concerns, always follow NHS advice and speak to a GP or other health professional.
Important: I am not a doctor, a counsellor or lawyer. The links below take you to official NHS pages, which are regularly updated and should be treated as the primary source of medical and clinical guidance.
1. Understanding Dementia
These pages explain what dementia is, the main types, and typical symptoms.
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Dementia – overview
General information about dementia, causes, symptoms and treatments.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/
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What is dementia?
A clear definition of dementia and how it affects thinking, behaviour and daily life.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about-dementia/what-is-dementia/
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Living well with dementia
Practical tips on staying active, independent and socially engaged after diagnosis.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/living-well/
2. Getting a Diagnosis
How to seek help if you’re worried about memory problems and what to expect from assessments.
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How to get a dementia diagnosis
What happens at the GP, referrals to memory clinics, and next steps.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/diagnosis/
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Tests for diagnosing dementia
The cognitive tests and scans that may be used to assess memory and thinking.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/tests/
3. Living With Dementia Day to Day
Guidance for people with dementia and those who support them.
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Living well with dementia
Tips on routines, staying active, telling others, and planning ahead.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/living-well/
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Help and support for people with dementia
How to find support from social services, charities and local groups.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/care-and-support/help-and-support/
4. Looking After Someone With Dementia
Official guidance for carers, family members and friends.
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Looking after someone with dementia
Practical advice for carers, including benefits, carer registration and support.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/looking-after-someone/
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Support and benefits for carers
Overview of carers’ assessments, respite care and financial support.
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/
5. Behaviour, Mood and Communication
Changes in behaviour or mood can be very distressing. These pages give calm, practical guidance.
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Coping with dementia behaviour changes
Help with agitation, aggression, restlessness and other behaviour changes.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/behaviour/
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Communicating with someone with dementia
Advice on using simple language, body language and active listening.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/communication/
6. Social Care, Council Support and Assessments
Dementia care usually involves both the NHS and your local council. These pages explain the social-care side.
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Introduction to care and support
A simple guide to adult social care, who does what, and how to start.
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/introduction-to-care-and-support/
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Getting a care needs assessment
How to request an assessment from your local council for help at home, equipment or care services.
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Carer’s assessments
A free assessment for adult carers to look at your needs, support and respite options.
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/carer-assessments/
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Social care and support guide – main index
One place to explore all social-care topics: help at home, money, housing, and more.
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/
7. Money, Funding and NHS Continuing Healthcare
These links explain how care is funded and when the NHS may pay for ongoing care.
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NHS continuing healthcare
When the NHS may fund a full package of care if someone has complex health needs.
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/money-work-and-benefits/nhs-continuing-healthcare/
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Financial assessment (means test) for social care
How councils decide what you pay towards your care, and the savings thresholds.
8. End-of-Life Care and Late-Stage Dementia
Guidance for planning ahead and understanding options towards the end of life.
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Dementia – late stage and end-of-life care
What to expect in late-stage dementia and how care can be organised at home, in a care home or hospice.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/palliative-care/
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End of life care – NHS overview
General information on end-of-life care, planning, and support for families.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/end-of-life-care/
9. How to Use This Page
You might like to use this page in three ways:
1. For clarity
When you read something on my site (or elsewhere) and want to check the official guidance, come back here and click the relevant NHS link.
2. For confidence in decisions
Use these pages before big decisions – for example, applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare, asking for a needs assessment, or planning end-of-life care.
3. For sharing with family
If different family members are unsure or worried, you can send them a link to this page and invite them to explore the NHS pages themselves.