Live well with Dementia

From October 2024 to January 2025 we asked for your views and experiences to help us understand what's working well for people living with dementia and what could be better.

Thank you to all of the experts by experience, carers and professionals that took part in the engagement events and/or gave us valuable feedback through the surveys. Your feedback has helped us identify gaps and challenges to address, please read on for information about how we are addressing them.

You said:	We did:
1. Raise awareness of dementia and prevention. People don’t know enough about dementia risks. “There needs to be more evidential publicity on how and why it is a good idea to try and prevent dementia.”	The new service will run awareness sessions for the public and professionals, and provide easy-read leaflets and online resources. The new service will fund an Admiral Nurse who will help to build up and strengthen awareness.
2. Pre-Diagnostic Support People with memory concerns need help even if they don’t meet the clinic threshold. “Diagnostic tests for Dementia are only a rough guide at best. The only proper assessment comes from detailed knowledge of those doing the caring.”	We’re introducing a Memory Support Service to help people with memory problems or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), including those waiting for diagnosis.
3. Healthcare Professionals' Language and Communication Face-to-face GP appointments matter. Some people didn’t understand their diagnosis. “Before being referred back to the GP nothing was explained. I was just told I couldn't drive anymore.”	The new service will create a bridge between health and social care and community services. GP surgeries will have access to a named Dementia Adviser in the service to help maximise relationships. The new model promotes face-to-face support, clearer language, and consistent staff to build trust and understanding.
4. Primary Care Involvement Some GPs are helpful, others less so. Carers didn’t know about contingency plans. “GP struggled to communicate effectively or steer towards support or next steps.”	Dementia Advisers in the service will work more closely with GP surgeries and Primary Care Networks to help improve consistency and planning.
5. Memory clinic Wait times differ. Some felt test scores didn’t reflect real symptoms. “There should be more follow up from the memory clinic after diagnosis rather than passing on into the community where they just signpost. It would be good if there was more scientific follow up to explain why it had happened and then have someone coordinate care on behalf of the family.”	Feedback is being provided to memory clinics.
6. Dementia Advisers Families want face-to-face help and simpler forms. “User-friendly portal and/or site that is easy to navigate, not overloaded – to promote independent access and understanding of the information by those with reduced familiarity of the Internet, surfing etc. ”	Dementia Advisers will offer in-person support, help with form-filling, and use tools like the ‘Knowing Me’ form to personalise care. Provision of an easy-to-use website.
7. Ongoing medical support. People don’t know who to ask for help. Annual reviews may not be practical. “Lack of knowledge and experience of dealing with diagnosed people. GPs treating the person as if they are not in the room and are idiots.”	The new service will work closely with GP surgeries and Primary Care Networks, and provide long-term support, including crisis response and help with care transitions. The service will work alongside and complement the carer support service. The council is completing a piece of work on looking at flexible respite offers.
8. Support Services. Transport is a barrier. Some areas have better services than others. “The vast majority of support is based in or around Oxford. I cannot find any support groups supported or provided by Dementia Oxford in Banbury.”	We’re building community-based support across Oxfordshire and exploring venue and transportation options for equality of accessibility.
9. Respite services availability. Families need flexible options, including short breaks. “There is not the support needed for more frequent respite for families.”	We’re looking at flexible respite including greater use of direct payments and increasing support to family carers.

You can find detailed information about the initial consultation on the Let's Talk Oxfordshire page .

From October 2024 to January 2025 we asked for your views and experiences to help us understand what's working well for people living with dementia and what could be better.

You said:	We did:
1. Raise awareness of dementia and prevention. People don’t know enough about dementia risks. “There needs to be more evidential publicity on how and why it is a good idea to try and prevent dementia.”	The new service will run awareness sessions for the public and professionals, and provide easy-read leaflets and online resources. The new service will fund an Admiral Nurse who will help to build up and strengthen awareness.
2. Pre-Diagnostic Support People with memory concerns need help even if they don’t meet the clinic threshold. “Diagnostic tests for Dementia are only a rough guide at best. The only proper assessment comes from detailed knowledge of those doing the caring.”	We’re introducing a Memory Support Service to help people with memory problems or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), including those waiting for diagnosis.
3. Healthcare Professionals' Language and Communication Face-to-face GP appointments matter. Some people didn’t understand their diagnosis. “Before being referred back to the GP nothing was explained. I was just told I couldn't drive anymore.”	The new service will create a bridge between health and social care and community services. GP surgeries will have access to a named Dementia Adviser in the service to help maximise relationships. The new model promotes face-to-face support, clearer language, and consistent staff to build trust and understanding.
4. Primary Care Involvement Some GPs are helpful, others less so. Carers didn’t know about contingency plans. “GP struggled to communicate effectively or steer towards support or next steps.”	Dementia Advisers in the service will work more closely with GP surgeries and Primary Care Networks to help improve consistency and planning.
5. Memory clinic Wait times differ. Some felt test scores didn’t reflect real symptoms. “There should be more follow up from the memory clinic after diagnosis rather than passing on into the community where they just signpost. It would be good if there was more scientific follow up to explain why it had happened and then have someone coordinate care on behalf of the family.”	Feedback is being provided to memory clinics.
6. Dementia Advisers Families want face-to-face help and simpler forms. “User-friendly portal and/or site that is easy to navigate, not overloaded – to promote independent access and understanding of the information by those with reduced familiarity of the Internet, surfing etc. ”	Dementia Advisers will offer in-person support, help with form-filling, and use tools like the ‘Knowing Me’ form to personalise care. Provision of an easy-to-use website.
7. Ongoing medical support. People don’t know who to ask for help. Annual reviews may not be practical. “Lack of knowledge and experience of dealing with diagnosed people. GPs treating the person as if they are not in the room and are idiots.”	The new service will work closely with GP surgeries and Primary Care Networks, and provide long-term support, including crisis response and help with care transitions. The service will work alongside and complement the carer support service. The council is completing a piece of work on looking at flexible respite offers.
8. Support Services. Transport is a barrier. Some areas have better services than others. “The vast majority of support is based in or around Oxford. I cannot find any support groups supported or provided by Dementia Oxford in Banbury.”	We’re building community-based support across Oxfordshire and exploring venue and transportation options for equality of accessibility.
9. Respite services availability. Families need flexible options, including short breaks. “There is not the support needed for more frequent respite for families.”	We’re looking at flexible respite including greater use of direct payments and increasing support to family carers.

You can find detailed information about the initial consultation on the Let's Talk Oxfordshire page .

Page published: 12 Aug 2025, 02:29 PM

Live well with Dementia

Alternative formats

Printed copies