Dist

[Spamar]

Although I have been caring for my husband for several years, I have only just come across the DIST team , Dementia Intensive Support Team. They seem to cover East Anglia, and mention is made of something similar in Wales. I don't know if they are anywhere else in the country.
It is part of the Mental Health Team. OHs name was forwarded to them yesterday as part of our visit to A&E. The first phone call came before we had arrived home, though I must admit we did stop for coffee! I was phoned again this am and I think if I had said I wanted him in a home NOW, they would have done so!
I have been looking at the website (Google DIST) and was pretty impressed. They deal, for instance, with emergencies such as violence. As it's a mental health department they seem to realise that a person can have more than one mental health problem at a time.
There is even a section on things to do when you visit a doctor, things like make lists, take a responsible person with you, get doc to write things down for you.
One comment I liked, and we've all met docs like this, say to them
'I'm not asking you to talk to me, I'm just asking you to listen to me. What you then do with the information is up it you!'

It may be an idea to find out where your local DIST team, or equivalent is. It may be a lifesaver!

 

[PeggySmith]

Thanks Spamar, we don't seem to have one in BathNES but it sounds brilliant. Wonder if it'll have to be rolled out nationally now there are new rules in place?

 

[truth24]

Don't think there is one in N Somerset either. What a good thing to have.

 

[lin1]

Not sure about now , but we used to have a crisis team specifically for dementia related things . One of my Admiral nurses left to join this team as she wanted to be more hands on

 

[marionq]

Nothing in Scotland for that.

 

[Essie]

There is apparently one in South Essex. The original DIST was piloted in West Suffolk but it seems to be up to individual HCT's whether they organise one or not. The ones that have done so (mainly Norfolk/Suffolk) seem to be very positive about their effectiveness so hopefully it will get taken up by many more areas sooner rather than later. But probably not!

 

[Spamar]

It might Essie, don't forget the new care act says they have to look after us as well!
Even with all the help we've had over the years, I've never seen things happen as fast, help wise, as they are at the moment!

 

[tre]

Nearest we have here in Herts is IOT Intensive outreach Team.
Tre

 

[Essie]

It might Essie, don't forget the new care act says they have to look after us as well!
Even with all the help we've had over the years, I've never seen things happen as fast, help wise, as they are at the moment!

I'm so pleased for you Spamar, grab it all with both hands, contacts, help, whatever they are offering. You do an absolutely sterling job but there will, from what you've said, come a time when the current set up will have to change and whatever you can put in place now - even if it's not time for the actual changes yet, will hopefully make it smoother as and when it needs to happen. It is a relief isn't it when help is actually there - caring can be so isolating and very lonely sometimes. So pleased it's some good news for you.