We've put some small files called cookies on your device to make our site work.
We would also like to use google translate cookies and analytical cookies to understand how our site is used and improve user experience. Analytical cookies send information to Google Analytics.
Let us know your preference. We will use a cookie to save your choice. Before you make your choice you can read more about our cookie policy.
You can change your cookie settings at any time using our cookie policy.
Care and support is available to help adults who may have an illness or disability to carry on living as independently as possible.
Contact West Sussex County Council or Surrey County Council to find out about what care you can receive.
You can also call 01243 642121 for Sussex or 0300 470 9100 for Surrey.
If you care for someone who could not cope without your support because of illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, whether that's a family member, partner or friend, then you are a carer.
If that's you, please let us know by filling out this online form. As a carer, you are entitled to specific support, such as health check-ups and free flu vaccines, so we want to make sure we can support you.
You can find out more about support for carers on our Carers Support page.
Fancy a chat? NHS Volunteer Responders are here to offer you or someone you know a friendly phone call and a listening ear through their newly launched Check In and Chat service. Whether it’s just a one-off conversation, or regular chats, you can use this service by calling 0808 196 3646.
Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. They believe in a world where everyone can love later life and they work every day to achieve this.
Age UK can help advise with your finances, care and support, health and wellbeing, and more.
You can call the West Sussex line on 01903 731800 and Surrey on 01483 503414.
Have you felt unsteady on your feet? Have you noticed a change in your confidence when moving about? Crawley wellbeing is here to help you improve your strenth and balance, and support you to renew your stability and confidence. They offer courses to suit various abilities, led by specialist instructors. For more information, please contact wellbeing@crawley.gov.uk or call 01293 585317.
The NHS has advice on how to prevent falls, what causes falls, and what to do if you have a fall.
West Sussex County Council have pulled together a list of places to get support, as well as advice on living well with dementia.
Surrey County Council lets you search for local services.
Looking for information or advice about dementia or Alzheimer’s? You can call the Dementia UK helpline for free on 0800 888 6678 for support from dementia specialist Admiral Nurses. The Helpline is open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturday to Sunday.
We used to think that losing your memory was a normal part of getting older. We know now that it is a disease, and it is possible to get help. This video from the Alzheimer's Society is for people in the South Asian Community, talking about the support you can receive with dementia.
There is nothing more distressing than a loved one going missing and for people caring for someone with dementia this can become a regular occurrence.
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme adopted by several police forces. The initiative is named after George Herbert, a Second World War veteran, who lived with dementia and repeatedly went missing from his care home.
It encourages carers or next of kin to compile and keep useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. It asks for vital information about the vulnerable person, including regular routines, favourite places to visit, and details about their physical health and current medical conditions.
Both Surrey and Sussex police have adopted this scheme. Find out more from:
Even if you don't think it will be useful yet, it's a good idea to get a Power of Attorney sorted as early as you can. Power of Attorney lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions, or make decisions on your behalf. It only becomes active at the point where you can no longer decide for yourself.
You can choose whether you want a Power of Attorney for health and welfare, for property and financial affairs, or for both.
It costs £82 to register a Power of Attorney unless you get a reduction or exemption.
You can find out more on gov.uk.
Make sure your friends and family know what you would want to happen if you need more care in the future, or if you needed to go into hospital.
You can create a "MyCareMatters" profile which tells hospital staff and other healthcare professionals about the things you want them to know about you as a person.
It's of particular value to people with communication challenges, such as those living with dementia, but there may come a time in any of our lives that we are admitted to hospital, for a planned visit or in an emergency and may, temporarily or otherwise, be unable to communicate. MyCareMatters provides the opportunity to tell hospital staff that you drink your tea black, that you have a fear of needles and like to wear socks in bed because of your poor circulation.
Fore more information, and to create a profile, visit the MyCareMatters website.
