Support for Dementia and Memory Loss Carers

Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. That’s why we provide tailored dementia carer support, offering individual guidance and information to assist you in your caring role. A Diagnosis is not needed to access our support services.

Support Groups

Dementia Toolkit

Everyone’s journey is different which is why we offer individual guidance and information to help you in your caring role. Once you are registered with Carers Support West Sussex we are able to help with a host of support, ranging from emotional to financial assistance tailored to your needs as well as refer you to partner organisations.

This toolkit will help you navigate the services and support available to people caring for someone with dementia in West Sussex, how and who to go to for help and how we can support and guide you.

For more information about a vast array of resources to help you on your journey, please take a look at this toolkit and guide here:

Download Dementia Toolkit

Register with Us

Registering with us as a carer opens the door to a wide range of free support to suit your needs, including:

Tailored information and support to help you with your caring role
Opportunities to meet other carers who may have similar experiences to you
Workshops which provide training and learning on topics such as welfare benefits
Information about local and national organisations
Regular newsletter
Register as a Carer

Learn About Dementia

Dementia is a progressive condition characterised by a range of cognitive and behavioural symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Dementia that you need to be aware of as a carer?

Dementia symptoms can include:

Memory loss
Problems with reasoning and communication
A change in personality
Reduced ability to carry out daily activities such as washing or dressing

Types of Dementia

There are many different types of dementia, each with its own characteristics and challenges. As a Carer of someone with dementia, it is important for you to understand what you may encounter.
Understanding how your loved one may be affected by their condition can help you to be prepared and get the support you need. See below for the more common types of dementia.

Click next to read about some of the more common types of dementia.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia that mostly affects people over 65.
The onset is gradual, starting with memory loss of recent events. This progresses to the lack of ability to perform daily tasks, seemingly irrational behaviour and the inability to communicate.
It is an irreversible progressive disorder with no known cure.

Vascular Dementia (due to cerebrovascular disease)

Vascular dementia is a direct result of damage to the brain, occurring when there is a problem with the supply of blood to the brain. It is often caused by a specific event such as a stroke or can result from smaller blockages that may happen over a longer period of time.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies is one of the most common types of dementia. It rarely affects anyone under 65 and is a gradual onset over a longer period of time. Memory issues are similar to those of Alzheimer’s, but symptoms may also include hallucinations and tremors, along with falls resulting from fainting episodes.

Advice and Support for Dementia Carers

Discover a diverse array of groups and events tailored exclusively for caregivers of individuals with dementia. Join us to connect with a supportive community. Additionally, we provide a wealth of valuable resources and useful links to assist you on your caregiving journey.

Useful Reading Links

Dementia Carers Groups & Events

Meet and share with other dementia Carers. Our Carer groups are an opportunity to talk about your caring situation and gain further support from other Carers, as well as well-being workers from Carers Support West Sussex.

Dementia Online Group

10 April 2025 10:30 - 12:00

On Line support Group for carers caring for those with Dementia

Dementia Online Group

08 May 2025 10:30 - 12:00

On Line support Group for carers caring for those with Dementia

Dementia Online Group

12 June 2025 10:30 - 12:00

On Line support Group for carers caring for those with Dementia

See All Carers Events

Support for Dementia Carers

For more information about a vast array of resources to help you on your journey, please take a look at this toolkit and guide here:

Support with Finances

We will help identify any concerns you have about your caring role, finance, your goals, and how we may be able to help you achieve these. You may be entitled to certain benefits and we can book you in with our benefits adviser for a session to talk about your finances. See more on our Benefits Advice Service page here.
As a Carer registered with us, you can also apply for a grant from our Carer Health and Well being Fund.

Tips for Caring for Someone With Dementia

You can boost self-esteem, help to avoid depression and even improve sleep by encouraging your cared for to:

Stay active for both physical and mental well-being
Meet with other people as this can help with skills and memory
Make everyday tasks as simple as possible and allow plenty of time
Driving and dementia – what you need to know
Keep important items in the same place
Use visual aids, such as photos on cupboards showing the contents
Remove trip hazards. See this useful guide from Dementia UK.
Talk about events or themes from the person’s past, using prompts such as photos, souvenirs or music. West Sussex Libraries have a useful reminiscence collection.

Links to Other Support

Alzheimer’s Society: Click here to visit website

There is a huge amount of useful information on their page for Carers. Their mission is to transform the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, they strive to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

NHS Dementia Choices: Click here to visit website

This site offers information for people with dementia and their families and friends. It aims to raise awareness of dementia, as well as help people create networks and better understand the impact of the condition. There are also links to lots of information on dementia and sources of local and national support.

Tuvida: Click here to visit website

Offers a full range of flexible services for adults with various disabilities or health conditions. This includes day services in Horsham and Chichester, self-funded respite services, although subsidised services may be available for six hours of respite care per week plus a 10-hour night sit once weekly. For eligibility details, please contact us them.

Age UK West Sussex Brighton and Hove: Click here to visit website

Your one stop for advice and support across the county, by postcode. Each area has a selection of Age UK centres, Home visiting service, Information and advice, Help at home, Support at home after hospital, Social clubs and activities, Community agents, Dementia and carers support, Social prescribing, Digital skills service and Wellbeing support.

Dementia Carers Count : Click here to visit websites

A national charity that provides free support to family dementia carers. It offers confidential, emotional and practical support and advice through its Carer Support Line. You can also join online groups to connect with other carers.

Dementia UK: Click here to visit websites

A huge range of information and support including the Admiral Nurse advise line.

Dementia Action Alliance: Click here to visit websites

Dementia Adventure: Click here to visit websites

Dementia Adventure is a registered charity that is dedicated to supporting people to live well with dementia and have a sense of adventure in their lives. We believe in the benefits to be gained from regular, active engagement with the natural world.

Carers Health Team: Click here to visit website

A team of health professionals who aim to promote the health and wellbeing of Carers. They are a free service provided by Sussex Community NHS Trust providing support for Carers over the age of 18 registered with a West Sussex GP. They work directly with carers and will develop individual strategies for each Carer with an aim to reduce the strain of coping with their caring role.

Sage House: Click here to visit website (Tangmere)

Dementia Support is an exciting local charity working in partnership with voluntary and charitable organisations, the NHS, West Sussex County Council and other statutory organisations, to create a unique community hub for dementia. Designed to truly enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for local people living with dementia, their family and Carers in the Tangmere and wider area.

Meri Yaadain (My Memories): Click here to visit website

Is an organisation which supports Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) carers who face barriers in accessing information, services and advocacy.

Bring Dementia Out: Click here to visit website

Addresses the challenges faced by LGBT people living with dementia and those who are supporting them.

Jointly App from Carers UK: Click here to visit website

Jointly combines group messaging and to-do lists with other useful features, including medication lists, calendar and more. Jointly makes communication and coordination between those who share the care as easy as a text message.

Dementia Friendly Film Screenings & Theatre:

Connaught, Worthing

The Capitol, Horsham

Rope Tackle Centre, Shoreham

Chichester Festival Theatre