The Intensive Dementia Support Service (IDSS) has received over 582 referrals since the service was set up in Autumn 2017, helping more people with dementia to stay in their own homes, and ensuring that carers get support and advice.
Much of the feedback from our recent Fit for my Future engagement has shown that Somerset residents want to be treated as close to home as possible. People also commented that getting support in their own homes, wherever possible, was often best.
Getting this support at home is even more crucial for patients who are suffering from dementia, as they can become even more disorientated in unfamiliar environments.
The feedback from families and carers has been positive, as people appreciate how quickly the service responds to their loved one’s needs, as well as making sure that support is right for both the person suffering with dementia and those caring for them.
The crisis service is run by Somerset Partnership and covers the whole of Somerset.
The East team covers: Chard, Yeovil, Wincanton, Mendip, Glastonbury, Street, Wells and Frome.
The West team covers: Minehead, Taunton, Wellington, Burnham-On-Sea, Bridgwater, Watchet and Williton.
The team work 7 days a week, 365 days a year and aim to respond to a request for support within 24 hours. Currently the service in the west of the county work from 8am until 8pm, and the service in the east of the county work from 9am to 5pm, with a view to increasing that to match the west once all positions have been recruited for.
