Skip to main content
CareMapIreland

Dementia supports

Dementia information and navigation support

Independent information, helpline and local support for people living with dementia and their families.

Community or voluntary organisation

Last reviewed: not yet reviewedNeeds review

Sudden confusion is not the same as gradually developing memory problems. Infections, dehydration, medication changes, pain and poor hearing can all cause confusion, and several of these are treatable, so a GP review matters.

Alongside the GP route, independent dementia organisations provide information, helplines and local family support. They are often the fastest source of practical help while assessment is under way.

This platform does not assess or diagnose. We help you understand who to speak to and what to bring.

Who it's generally for

Families noticing memory or behaviour changes, and people living with a diagnosis of dementia.

What it provides

  • A national helpline and information for families
  • Local day care, social clubs and family support in many areas
  • Help understanding the next steps after a diagnosis, or when you are still seeking one

The eligibility and assessment caveat

Voluntary organisations are not a diagnostic service and local services vary. Any concern about memory or behaviour should be discussed with the person's GP, who can arrange assessment.

What to do next

  1. Contact the person's GP to discuss the changes you have noticed and ask about assessment
  2. Contact a dementia helpline for family information and local services
  3. Keep a short dated note of specific changes — it helps the GP appointment enormously

Documents and information worth preparing

  • Dated examples of what has changed and when you first noticed it
  • A current medication list, including anything recently started or stopped
  • Notes on sleep, appetite, and any confusion that comes and goes

Questions worth asking

  • Could anything else be causing this, such as infection, medication or hearing loss?
  • What does the assessment process involve and who carries it out?
  • What local dementia supports exist for the family?
  • What should we do if behaviour becomes distressing in the evening?

Official sources

We summarise. The organisations below are the authority on current rules, rates and thresholds.