Crossroads Carers Dementia Service (CDS) is a local service covering the Black Country and Birmingham, which is specifically for carers of someone living with a dementia. In particular, we cater for those from ethnic minority communities, along with carers with a disability, who may struggle to receive information to support them in their caring role.
We want to support carers of all backgrounds by “speaking the language of the heart”. We want to bring real benefit to carers, helping them to maintain a good quality of life, with access to additional support when needed.
We recognise that caring for someone with dementia can at times be difficult, exhausting, lonely and overwhelming. Our focus is to help carers to live well with an understanding of dementia. We will do this by sharing information and guidance and details of the intricate dementia pathway to enable carers to acquire physical, emotional and financial support for you and your loved one.
The hallmark of CDS is that it is a person-centred service, flexible in approach and accommodates different language and cultural needs, aiming to support carers at all stages of their caring journey, allowing family carers to dip in and out of the service as required.
What we can offer you
- 1 -to-1 dementia support.
- Culturally appropriate emotional support.
- Behavioural problem-solving, information & tips.
- Support to access local services i.e. benefits, care packages, equipment, etc.
- Carers Groups – see below for more details.
- Dementia awareness sessions (for family carers and professionals) – see below for more details.
Make a Referral
To speak to someone for more information, or to make a referral, please –
Call – 0121 553 6483
Email – care.vn4m2@nhs.net.
Alternatively, please download and complete the below referral form and email to care.vn4m2@nhs.net.
Carer Groups
We hold a regular carers group, where we provide information,
advice and emotional support in a relaxed and friendly environment. Here you can meet other carers in a similar situation, share experiences and listen, whilst forming a support network. We also host relevant guest speakers and take part in gentle exercise and social activities as a group.
When – every other Monday (not inc Bank holidays)
Where – Charles Preston Court, Mill Drive, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 3HE.
Time – 11am – 1pm
Call 0121 553 6483 to find out when the next session is taking place.
Gentle Exercise – online
We also hold a weekly gentle exercise session via Zoom.
When – every Thursday
Time – 11am – 12pm
Please call 0121 553 6483 for the Zoom link and support to access Zoom if needed.
Dementia Awareness Sessions
We have many years of experience of working in the local community offering carers and professionals awareness sessions, which are enhanced with visual aids, tips and ideas for how to manage behavioural concerns.
Topics covered:
- Dementia physiology & support
- Communication & behaviours
- Nutrition and infection awareness
Family Carers
We can provide free sessions for groups of family carers, face-to-face in local venue (or via Zoom on request).
Professionals
If you are a professional working in a role which requires knowledge of dementia, we can provide sessions for groups of a minimum of ten people.
Cost: A half day session (9.30am – 12.30pm) is £20 per person, or we can deliver a more detailed full day session (09.30am – 4.30pm) at £35 per person.
Please call 0121 553 6483 to speak to one of our team members for more information and to discuss available dates.