At ADSS we don't just support people with dementia, we also support the professionals who care for them.
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For many people, dementia support has traditionally started after a diagnosis.
But we know that's often far too late.
Long before a diagnosis is confirmed, families are already navigating uncertainty, difficult conversations, increasing risks and countless questions. They need someone who understands the journey, can coordinate support and help them make informed decisions before small problems become life-changing crises.
That's why ADSS has transformed the way our Dementia Coordinator service works.
Today, our Dementia Coordinators don't simply step in after diagnosis. They are there from the moment concerns begin, supporting people throughout every stage of their dementia journey - from the first GP appointment through to diagnosis, future planning and ongoing support within their community. Each person has a dedicated coordinator who gets to know what matters to them, helping them access the right services at the right time while working closely alongside GPs, memory clinics and wider health and care professionals.
Anna's story – support before diagnosis
When Anna was referred to ADSS, she hadn't yet received a dementia diagnosis.
Her family had been noticing changes for several years. There had been worrying driving incidents, increasing anger towards loved ones and growing concerns about her safety. Anna herself didn't believe anything was wrong, making conversations about support incredibly difficult.
Rather than waiting for a diagnosis before becoming involved, her Dementia Coordinator immediately began supporting the whole family.
Working alongside Social Services, the GP and the memory clinic, they coordinated referrals, followed up Occupational Therapy assessments, provided information about Lasting Power of Attorney, helped improve communication between professionals and introduced practical safety measures including medication support, wandering prevention and the Herbert Protocol.
Most importantly, Anna's husband and daughter no longer felt they were facing everything alone.
Even while diagnosis was still underway, they had someone they could call, someone coordinating services and someone helping them understand the road map ahead.
This is what earlier intervention looks like.
Lilly's story – professional curiosity saves lives
Not every person living with dementia asks for help.
When Lilly came to the attention of professionals, she appeared to be living independently. However, a welfare visit uncovered a home with no heating, no food and growing concerns about her ability to care for herself. Although safeguarding processes were initially closed, her Dementia Coordinator continued asking questions and remained professionally curious when concerns didn't feel resolved.
That persistence changed everything.
A follow-up visit identified even greater risks, including dangerously high blood pressure, expired medication and continued unsafe living conditions. Working with senior colleagues, the Dementia Coordinator escalated concerns, arranged emergency medical intervention and ensured Lilly entered hospital, where she received the treatment and multidisciplinary support she urgently needed.
Without someone prepared to look beyond the obvious, Lilly's story could have ended very differently.
Instead, professional curiosity became the difference between hidden risk and life-saving intervention.
Peter's story – helping someone stay independent
Peter's circumstances were very different.
Living alone with poor mobility, social isolation and no nearby family, he had experienced a fall, was struggling to manage daily life and often distrusted professionals. His home environment, nutrition and medication management had all deteriorated, placing him at significant risk.
His Dementia Coordinator didn't simply make referrals.
They became the person connecting every part of Peter's care.
Working alongside district nurses, pharmacies, Kent Home Help and the memory service, they coordinated grocery deliveries, simplified medication, secured a funded care package and ensured professionals remained in regular communication as Peter's needs changed.
The outcome wasn't simply more services.
It was a safer home, improved nutrition, better medication management and the opportunity for Peter to continue living independently with the right support around him.
One service. Three different journeys.
Anna's story shows why support shouldn't wait until a diagnosis.
Lilly's story demonstrates the importance of professional curiosity and acting before hidden risks become tragedy.
Peter's story proves that coordinated, personalised support can help people remain independent for longer.
No two dementia journeys are the same.
That's why our Dementia Coordinators don't offer a one-size-fits-all service. They build relationships, understand what matters most to each individual and coordinate the practical, emotional and professional support needed at every stage of the journey.
As dementia diagnoses continue to rise, this way of working is becoming more important than ever.
Because transforming dementia care isn't about adding another service.
It's about ensuring that every person has someone walking alongside them from the very beginning - helping them live with hope, purpose and dignity, every step of the way.