Vital dementia helpline available 24-hours a day
Vital Helpline available 24 hours a day to make sure nobody faces dementia alone.
Over the last 13 weeks, we have all adapted to new routines in accordance with the government advice on lockdown, to protect ourselves, our family and friends and our emergency services. For people living with dementia, their families and carers, this extended period of change will be unsettling and challenging.
Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000) provides information and emotional support to people living with dementia, their carers and families. Available 24-hours a day, every day, 365 days a year, the helpline is there for anyone who needs to talk to about dementia during these worrying times.
As well as continuing to provide information and emotional support, Alzheimer Scotland’s helpline has increased call handlers, who are there for anyone who is experiencing feelings of loneliness and upset during this ongoing situation. Despite the limitations put in place on all our daily routines, Alzheimer Scotland’s local support services and dementia advisers continue to operate and support people living with dementia, albeit in different ways.
Jennifer Hall, Alzheimer Scotland’s Helpline Manager, said: “Throughout this worrying time, our Helpline is a key point of contact for people living with dementia, or their families and carers. We have increased support and capacity to the Helpline Team and continue to provide callers with emotional support day and night.
“As well as helping with feelings of loneliness and stress, our helpline volunteers are able to connect people who may be experiencing some difficulties with social distancing or self-isolation, to our local support services and dementia advisers, across the country, who continue to support people living with dementia and their families.
“We are here to listen, understand and signpost callers to areas where they can access more support. It is critical that we make sure that nobody living with dementia, and their families, are on their own during this ongoing situation.”
A recent caller named Martha, said: “The helpline adviser was so helpful and did exactly as she said she would and called back when promised.
"We had been very worried about my sister who is living with dementia, and the call helped us to resolve a few issues.
“Your help and support has made a very difficult situation a little easier for our family during this worrying time.
"Thank you so much for the excellent help received.”
If you have any questions about dementia, or about the support available in your area, call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour Freephone Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit alzscot.org. The helpline is the only 24-hour dementia helpline in operation in the UK and is supported by team of committed volunteers.