The Bracknell Forest Council has summarised feedback from a dementia forum held in April 2026, which will inform the development of its Dementia Strategy for 2027 to 2032. Participants shared both positive and challenging experiences related to their dementia journey, highlighting what has helped them and what improvements they would like to see.
Key areas of feedback included interactions with GPs, with some patients valuing supportive listening and clear information about dementia and medications. However, concerns were raised about the need for more consistent support from services and familiar staff who understand dementia. Carers also expressed a desire for clearer assistance in registering with GP surgeries.
Regarding diagnosis, the Memory Clinic was found to be accessible by some, with valued time for discussion and phone support. While brain scans aided understanding for some, others reported lengthy waits for appointments and tests. Carers felt less supported when care transitioned back to GPs from Memory Clinics. There is a call for information to be provided in smaller, manageable amounts and for services to proactively reach individuals living alone.
In terms of medicines, clear information about their purpose, side effects, and assistance with administration was requested. Participants wanted more opportunities to discuss medication effectiveness with listening staff. Support for carers was highly valued, including carers’ assessments and specific courses like Understanding Dementia and Signal4Carers. However, the emotional and physical toll of caring was highlighted, with a need for consistent support from diagnosis onwards and more learning and practical help for both unpaid carers and paid care workers.
The forum also addressed the importance of taking breaks from caring, with day centres and care workers providing valuable respite. Participants requested earlier advice on respite care and contingency plans for when carers are ill or hospitalised. Social activities, such as coffee mornings and singing groups, were beneficial for meeting people and sharing information, with a suggestion for social workers to share updates at these gatherings. Hobbies not directly related to dementia were also appreciated.
Help at home, including support from adult social care and occupational therapists, along with useful equipment like walking aids and grab rails, was seen as crucial for independence and safety. Clearer advice on equipment, home modifications, and streamlined access to services were desired. Financial concerns, including worries about future care costs and the need for accessible money advice without relying on the internet, were also raised. Planning for future care, including lasting power of attorney, was helpful for some, while others sought clearer information on care home options and end-of-life care discussions.
A consistent theme was the value of staff who listened and provided time, alongside support from family and friends. The importance of speaking directly to the person with dementia, treating them as adults, and being patient with communication was emphasised. Fear of diagnosis and difficulty recognising signs could deter people from seeking help. Finding information through services like the Dementia Advisory Service, forums, and local service lists was helpful, with a request for clear information packs and integrated services. Transport challenges, including accessibility and the ability to take mobility equipment on trips, were also noted, alongside a desire for more choices and easier booking for volunteer lifts.
The council acknowledged the feedback, noting that email and websites were useful for rereading information, but also recognised the need for paper-based information and technology support for those without computer access or confidence. The strategy aims to address these points to improve the dementia journey for individuals and their carers in Bracknell Forest.
