About the service
The Memory Service provides a comprehensive assessment for Dementia. The Memory Service also provides initial treatments, support, and advice after receiving a diagnosis of Dementia.
The Memory Service is a led by a Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in Older Persons Mental Health and Practitioner delivered. This means that the majority of the contact you will have will be through the nursing team.
What we do
Following a diagnosis of Dementia by The Memory Service, you will be provided with support and advice. This will be with a member of the Team who will book an appointment with you that should last an hour. These appointments usually take place in your home. Family members are welcome and may also gain benefit from being present.
In the meeting with the Team member, there will be discussion about support services and groups that are available locally. They will also discuss any wider issues that people may have about their diagnosis. The Team member will provide written information that is relevant to the persons’ current situation and for future reference. The service can support you in a number of different ways, including;
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists enable people with dementia to continue participating in their everyday activities and remain independent for as long as possible.
We can assist with:
- Sharing memories through life stories
- Assessing the safety and environment of the home
- Educating and supporting families, carers, and care home staff
- Helping family, friends, carers to understand a person who may present with distressed behaviour
- Accessing appropriate services.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
The Memory Service offers Cognitive Stimulation Therapy as a part of the treatment following diagnosis. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy aims to engage and stimulate people in a friendly and enjoyable group setting. The research on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy shows that it improves and helps maintain thinking abilities as well as general well-being.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is an evidence-based therapy for people with mild to moderate dementia. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy consists of 14 sessions of themed activities over 8 weeks. A typical session would involve an introduction, a discussion about current new stories and a programme of activities arranged around a particular theme.
Each session last 2 hours. There is small charge for refreshments.
Accessing the service
If you or someone you know are noticing problems with memory, we recommend that you visit your GP first to discuss your concerns.
Your GP will help to rule out other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms as dementia and if appropriate, discuss with you about making a referral to the Memory Service for further assessment.
Contact information
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Telephone: 01983 534411
Further information
- Social Services (Care and Support)
People living with dementia on the Isle of Wight, who are referred to Adult Social Services will be assessed by the First Response Duty Team. This assessment will help to identify the needs of the person with dementia and those who support them. Referrals to Social Services can be made in different ways, for example via the GP, visiting Health Professional, family member or friend.
First Response Duty phone: 01983 814980
All other enquiries phone: 01983 823340
Website: www.iwight.com/Residents/Care-and-Support
- Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Workers
The Dementia Support Workers are based within the Memory Service Team. They offer information and advice to people and/or their carers to improve understanding of dementia. They also offer support to the person and/or carers to strengthen and build upon existing networks. You can contact the team via the information below:
Telephone: 02392 892035
Email: Portsmouth@alzheimers.org.uk