Potential members are referred to us from the Care and Support Assessment Team at Sheffield City Council. Once the referral is received we contact the potential new member and their carer(s) and schedule a home visit so that we can get to know the person a little and tell them about the Day Centre and what we offer. The next step is to invite the potential member and their carer to come along for a taster visit to see if the Day Centre environment and group feels right for them as well . This way the potential member and their carers can develop an understanding of the group, they will have met and got to know a contact person which can make attending for the first time less daunting.
These initial meetings/assessments give people with dementia and their carers an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns. It is understandable and expected that some people will have reservations about attending. The visits allow time for questions to be answered and a trusting relationship to be developed.
We believe that everyone involved with the care of someone with dementia should be actively encouraged to take part in the care planning. The carers have an expertise that the paid workers at the centre will tap in to so that the best possible support can be given.
DDG can only accept referrals for Sheffield residents via the Sheffield City Council Brokerage Team (from the Social Work Teams). For referrals from outside of the city or for informal enquiries please contact the Service Manager at darnalldementia@yahoo.com or call 0114 2262116.