Dementia Pages: Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust

02/09/2025

Dementia is the biggest health crisis of our time and affects not only those living with it, but also their loved ones and carers.

Our Lived Experience Survey captures the voices of people affected by dementia, made up of those living with the condition, unpaid carers, and loved ones.

Just one third said that their experience of the diagnosis process was positive.

Long wait times and seeing multiple healthcare professionals are among factors that make the process difficult.

Two in five people with dementia feel ashamed or stigmatised.

As a result, many have not sought a diagnosis because of concerns about what their families and friends will say if they are diagnosed with the condition.

Seven out of ten carers for people with dementia say that caring has negatively impacted their lives. It has impacted on their mental health and made them feel more socially isolated.

One in five people affected by dementia have received no health care, social care or financial support.

Of those who received support, fewer than half were satisfied with it.

The findings expose a system buckling under pressure and serious gaps in care, diagnosis, and public awareness – leaving too many families to cope alone.

What has been your experience of dementia?

26/08/2025

For Paid & Unpaid Carers

26/08/2025

26/08/2025

Worthing multistorey car park has a couple of disabled bays for those with dementia.
A truly forward thinking town supporting those living with dementia and their carers.

24/08/2025

Do you live in Surrey? Volunteers wanted for a study.
BBC News - Search for 200 volunteers for dementia study

Diagnosing the disease early has been described as key to improving the lives of sufferers.

13/08/2025

Tuesday 2nd September 2025, 2pm - 4pm

11/08/2025

An amazing local charity offering support and advice.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it’s natural to put off difficult conversations about the future.

Many families think, “We can wait until it’s absolutely necessary.” And it’s completely natural to think that - it’s scary to imagine a time when your relative may no longer make decisions for themselves.

But waiting can mean losing the chance to understand and record their wishes.

Dementia is progressive, and early planning means you can learn what your loved one truly wants about their care, finances, and who will help make decisions. These wishes can then be respected later.

At Pathways Through Dementia, we encourage families to start these conversations sooner, while their loved one can still take part. Many tell us that making plans early lifts a huge weight off their shoulders. It’s one of the kindest things you can do for your loved one and for yourself 💜

Find out how to start this important conversation and plan ahead with us: pathwaysthroughdementia.org/contact-us/

08/08/2025

Radar key can be so useful if someone needs help in the bathroom when out. They are easy to buy.

Access to over 14,000 accessible toilets in the UK with our official and genuine RADAR Keys. Gain access to disabled toilets when out and about. These ergonomic keys are durable, long-lasting, and easy to use. Enjoy the freedom and independence to access toilets whenever you need them.

25/07/2025

A lot of people worry they have dementia when it could be normal aging. A quick guide from Alzheimer's society to help you know when to go to your GP.

24/07/2025

A great description

07/07/2025

Can be vital if you are a carer who needs to support a person using the toilet.

Access to over 10,000 accessible toilets in the UK with our genuine RADAR Keys. It is essential for individuals who need access to disabled toilets when out and about. These Blue Bow keys are the only genuine article, recognised and accepted by RADAR, the leading authority on accessible toilets in t...

27/05/2025

A lovely analogy for dementia from Alan Titchmarsh.