Find out about local and national support for dementia.

Symptoms of dementia

Dementia is caused by diseases that affect the brain. The most common is Alzheimer's disease.

Dementia symptoms can include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem solving, mood and behaviour. 

Learn more about symptoms, causes and treatments on the Alzheimer's Society website

Support from your GP

If you're worried about your memory, make an appointment with your doctor. 

Find your local GP

Referral to a memory assessment service

Your GP may make a referral to a memory assessment service.

They will assess your situation and diagnose your condition. They can also help you to access a wide range of support services

Learn more about Sutton's memory assessment service

Local support for dementia

Caring for someone with dementia

If you look after someone with dementia you can:

Support groups in Sutton

There are different types of support groups in Sutton for those with dementia and their carers. 

Age UK

You can join Age UK Sutton’s dementia wellbeing group.

Phone

020 8078 0002 

Email

Sutton carers centre

Sutton carers centre runs a number of different support groups. 

Website

www.suttoncarerscentre.org 

Phone

020 8296 5611 

Email

enquiries@suttoncarerscentre.org

The Alzheimer's Society Sutton

The Alzheimer’s Society has dementia support workers who offer advice and support. You can contact them directly.

Phone

020 8770 1875

Email

sutton@alzheimers.org.uk

Singing Sensations  

A friendly Sutton-based group for people with dementia, their carers, family and friends, mixing singing, reminiscing, chair-based exercise and fun.

Meets every Wednesday in Cheam Village from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Get dementia care from Admiral Nurses

Admiral Nurses are registered nurses who specialise in dementia care. They work with families affected by dementia who have complex needs.

The Admiral Nurse service is delivered as a collaboration between Sutton Council and Dementia UK.

About Admiral Nurses

The Admiral Nurses will provide:

  • specialist bio-psychosocial assessment 
  • support to carers and families to learn about dementia and develop coping skills
  • consultancy to other health and social care professionals for dementia

How to self refer 

You can self-refer by: 

Email

admiral.nurseteam@nhs.net

Phone

020 8770 5327

Referrals from professionals

Referrals will be accepted from any professional within health, social services or the voluntary sector, working with the family living with dementia.

Professionals will need to complete the Admiral Nurses referral form. You can contact us to request this. 

When to contact Admiral Nurses

You can be referred for Admiral Nurses support if:

  • the person with dementia has a diagnosis of dementia or suspected diagnosis and lives within the London Borough of Sutton
  • the carer has consented to the referral
  • the person with dementia has complex care needs or the family’s needs are complex, due to:
    • high levels of distress 
    • change in presentation of the person with dementia 
    • end of life
    • other services are unable to meet the needs and complexity of the caring situation

If you are a family living with dementia, you can be referred to Admiral Nurses from any health or social care professional, or you can refer yourself.

Request a care needs assessment

To find out if you're eligible for care or support arranged by the council, you can request a care needs assessment.

Most people pay something towards their care.