Specialist Memory Support Team

What we do

• We work within Poole, promoting independence for people with memory loss
• Our focus is you, your needs and your future
• We provide individual assessments which look at the impact of memory loss on personal lifestyle
• All our assessments are undertaken by experienced staff with a knowledge and understanding of supporting people who have impaired memory function
• Practical and realistic choices can be discussed with you and the people that matter
• Time is made available to talk through sensitive issues that are associated with memory impairment

By Offering

• Specialist Memory Loss Assessments including:
  - Early dementia screening
  - Risk assessment
  - Professional advice and guidance
  - Working in partnership with other professionals
  - Individual care planning
  - Separate Carer’s Assessments and access to support networks and services
  - Planning for the future and monitoring of ongoing needs.

The Service is for

• Anyone over the age of 18 who lives within the Borough of Poole
• People experiencing memory impairment at any stage that require advice, signposting, information and education to help maintain quality of life and whose memory impairment is the main cause of their inability to live an independent life after all physical conditions have been investigated and addressed
• People who are not receiving a service from a Community Mental Health Team, e.g. Consultant Psychiatrist, Community Mental Health Nurse, people on the Integrated Care Plan Approach
• People who provide care and support for those who meet the Team’s criteria.

Specialist Services we can access

Our specialist service providers have all undertaken specific training in managing the needs of people with memory impairment:

• Home Care: To assist people to remain independently at home, provided by:
  - Care UK (www.careuk.com )
  - Rethink(www.rethink.org)
• Day Care facilities:
  - Garland Road
  - Rethink
  - Use of Direct Payments to access non-Borough of Poole day services
• Planned Respite at Mitchell House:
  - Mitchell House (www.careuk.com ) 
•  Assistive Technology

Services we link to

• Rethink (www.rethink.org ) (e.mail: info.@rethink.org)
• Help and Care (www.helpandcare.org.uk )
• Specialist Carer Support Services:
  - Alzheimer’s Society (www.alzheimers.org.uk )
  - Dorset Advocacy (www.dorsetadvocacy.co.uk )
  - Police Community Support Officers
  - Poole Housing Partnership
  - Poole Intermediate Care Services

Referral

Referral to the Specialist Memory Support Team is via the Adult Social Services Helpdesk by phone on 01202 633902 or email on sshelpdesk@poole.gov.uk