• Know where to refer patients for a specialist memory assessment, where indicated.
• Signpost patients and their carers/families to local resources, information and support.
• View the Map of Medicine for Dementia assessment (Map of Medicine, 2010)
• View the Map of Medicine for Dementia management (Map of Medicine, 2010)

Referral

When people are offered an assessment, or referred for a memory assessment:

• they should not have to wait long for an assessment, and have the option of having the assessment at home;
• they should be confident that any tests that they have are necessary;
• they should have a choice about whether they receive a formal diagnosis.

Useful resources

• Dementia Quality Standards (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2010)
• Worried about your memory? (Alzheimer’s Society, 2011)
• What your diagnosis means for you (Alzheimer’s Society, 2010)
• Memory service – easy read (Department of Health, 2011)
• Keeping safe in your home (Alzheimer’s Society, 2010)
• Living alone (Alzheimer’s Society, 2010)
• Dementia service for people living at home or in a care home – easy read (Department of Health, 2011)

Specialist memory services

Will provide

• confirmation of diagnosis and sub types
• post-diagnosis counselling and advice
• prescribing advice; advice on medications management
• recommendations for continuing plan of care,
• signposting to community resources, facilities, and information

Some memory services may also undertake patient reviews at intervals agreed with the patient and GP.