Dementia Care in Newcastle upon Tyne

What a Dementia Carer Does in Newcastle upon Tyne

A dementia carer helps the person live as safely, comfortably and independently as possible.

Their role goes beyond completing practical tasks. A skilled carer also learns how the person communicates, recognises signs of discomfort or distress and adapts their approach as needs change.

Support may include:

A carer should communicate calmly, allow extra time for responses and consider what the person may be trying to express through their behaviour.

Supporting someone to remain involved in daily life might include helping them prepare part of a meal, accompanying them to a café in Gosforth, taking a gentle walk through Jesmond Dene or listening to music connected with meaningful memories.

Funding Dementia Care in Newcastle upon Tyne

A person living with dementia may be eligible for help with care costs following a needs assessment from Newcastle City Council. A needs assessment is a conversation with Adult Social Care about the person’s circumstances and whether they may qualify for council support. It may take place face to face or by telephone.

If eligible care needs are identified, a financial assessment may determine how much the person is expected to contribute. Newcastle City Council describes this as a means test based on the person’s financial circumstances.

Possible funding routes include:

A person who has difficulty managing money or making decisions may still receive a direct payment if an agreed suitable person manages it on their behalf. Family members providing unpaid care can also request a carer’s assessment when they need support to continue in their caring role.

Funding is not automatic. Contact Newcastle City Council Adult Social CarePoint for an assessment and guidance based on your circumstances.

Supporting Hospital Discharge in Newcastle upon Tyne

Returning home after a hospital stay can be particularly unsettling for someone living with dementia. Unfamiliar surroundings, disrupted routines and changes in mobility or confidence may make the transition more difficult.

Curam can help families arrange temporary dementia care following discharge from local hospitals such as the Royal Victoria Infirmary, commonly known as the RVI, and Freeman Hospital.

A dementia carer may help with:

Newcastle Hospitals has discharge lounges at both the RVI and Freeman Hospital for patients who are medically ready to leave but are waiting for final arrangements such as medication, transport or paperwork.

Explore post-hospital care

Working With Local NHS Services

Private dementia care can complement the discharge plan agreed with hospital, GP, memory-service and community healthcare teams.

Before someone leaves the RVI, Freeman Hospital or another local NHS service, make sure you understand:

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  What support will be needed at home

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  Whether equipment or home adaptations are required

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  Which medicines must be taken and when

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  What follow-up appointments have been arranged

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  Who to contact if the person’s condition changes

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  Whether additional community or reablement support is planned

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  Which tasks can safely be completed by a home carer

A Curam carer should follow the agreed care information but should not be asked to undertake clinical duties outside their training or agreed responsibilities.

Recent local research into discharge experiences at the RVI and Freeman Hospital found that communication and coordination between healthcare teams, patients and carers can be challenging. This makes it particularly important for families to ask for clear discharge instructions and contact details before leaving hospital.