Community Dementia Support Service (CDSS)

The Community Dementia Support Service (CDSS) is a specialist service that supports people who have complex dementia and cannot access mainstream services. The CDSS only accept referrals for people who have a diagnosis of, or a working diagnosis of Dementia. Referrals must be made via the Older Adults Community Mental Health Team, Memory Service or Older Adults Home Treatment Team. You cannot self refer to this service. The CDSS operates Monday to Friday 8am-8pm.

Support for individuals with dementia

The CDSS has a team of Support Workers who work with the service users over a period of 6 to 12 weeks. Their priority is to build a trusting relationship with the individual with dementia. Each week, the Support Workers offer 3 hours of meaningful activities or therapeutic interventions. They also look at longer-term solutions for their care.

Through this service, they will put in place a tailor-made care plan. This means that, at the end of the support period they can be referred to other community or support services.

Support for their carers

The CDSS also provides respite for carers during the 3 hours a week they provide support for the individual with dementia.

Covid update 23/03/21: Most services continue under covid-safe conditions but may be experiencing changes to how or when they deliver their service. Contact the Community Dementia Support Service directly for the latest information.