The Fife Dementia Strategy: 2010 – 2020 - The Knowledge Network

APPENDIX 4: Dementia Advisor
The following is intended to act as guiding principles for the development of
Dementia Advisors. Given the ongoing work in Fife and the UK on Dementia
Advisors, as well as the changes that will result from the implementation of
this Strategy, it will be necessary to review, and possible alter the focus of the
posts prior to implementation in 2013.
The Dementia Advisors main role is to empower people with dementia and
their family/carer to develop and utilise personal support networks and local
services available in their area. They will do this through helping them to
understand and cope with their diagnosis and prognosis, and providing
information on local groups and services available to the person with
dementia and their family/carer. They will also work with the local community,
increasing awareness about dementia and developing services to become
more inclusive of people with dementia and other mental health conditions.
Key tasks for the Dementia Advisor are indicated below and should be
addressed by the Advisor as necessary/appropriate.
• Information on dementia, what to expect and how to plan including:
o Dementia specific information/material;
o Medication;
o Coping strategies for person with dementia and family/carer;
o End of life care planning/power of attorney
o Welfare benefits;
o Attendance allowance/ disability living allowance;
o Day to day activities;
o Driving;
o DVLA informed;
o Carer support;
o Occupational therapist input;
o Employment;
o Referrals to Social Work/Health; and
o Maintaining social activities.
• Support and advice on sharing the diagnosis with friends and family.
• Improving dementia awareness in local services and groups.
• Empowering the person with dementia and their family in accessing local
services and establishing local support networks.
• Work with primary care clinicians to promote understanding and
awareness of dementia, the importance of receiving a timely diagnosis,
and the benefits associated with early intervention.
Following intervention and based on the conversations shared, the
Coordinator can refer the service user to additional services if appropriate.
The Dementia Advisor pilot will include a comprehensive evaluation which is
developed at the beginning of the project, and which ensures data collection
and effective learning.