Thank you to everyone who shared their views at the dementia forum in April 2026. This summary will help shape the Bracknell Forest Dementia Strategy for 2027 to 2032.
People shared good and difficult experiences about their dementia journey.
People told us what helped them and what they would like to see improved.
Your feedback
1. Getting help from your GP
What helped
Some GPs listened and supported people. Clear talks about dementia and medicines helped.
What people wanted to improve
Getting help from another service could mean asking again and again. Some carers felt unheard.
People wanted familiar staff who understand dementia and clearer help to register as a carer at their GP surgery.
2. Finding out if someone has dementia
What helped
Some people found the Memory Clinic easy to access. They valued time to talk and phone support.
Finding out they had dementia explained changes they had noticed. Brain scans helped some people understand their diagnosis.
What people wanted to improve
Some reported waits for appointments and tests, including during Covid. This does not show waiting times now.
Carers felt less supported when care returned to the GP from the Memory Clinic.
People wanted information in small amounts and services to reach those living alone or without support.
3. Understanding medicines
What helped
Talking about medicines helped. People valued GP support and reminders at home.
What people wanted to improve
People wanted clear information about medicines, unwanted effects and help with taking them.
They wanted more talks about how medicines were working, with staff listening to the person and their family or carer.
4. Support for carers
What helped
Carers valued having their needs recognised through carers’ assessments and talks about the support they need.
The Understanding Dementia course, Signal4Carers and learning from other carers helped. Some valued 6-monthly contact from the Dementia Advisory Service.
What people wanted to improve
Caring could leave carers upset and very tired and affect their health.
They wanted support from when dementia was confirmed, with regular advice as needs changed. Follow-up support was not the same for everyone.
Unpaid carers and paid care workers needed more learning and practical help.
5. Taking a break from caring
What helped
Day centres offered activities and breaks for carers. Care workers helped some people attend.
Family help and time with friends also mattered.
What people wanted to improve
People wanted earlier advice about breaks from caring, sometimes called respite, and help when caring became harder.
They wanted plans for when a carer was ill or in hospital, more day services and checks that support still met changing needs.
6. Meeting people and enjoying activities
What helped
Coffee mornings and singing groups helped people meet and share information. People valued feeling accepted and talking to staff.
Hobbies and clubs not focused on dementia mattered too.
What people wanted to improve
People wanted earlier information about groups, even before dementia was confirmed, and smaller groups for easier conversation.
Carers wanted social time beyond caring and friendships to continue after bereavement.
One carer suggested social workers share updates at coffee mornings.
7. Help at home and useful equipment
What helped
Adult social care and occupational therapists helped. Occupational therapists support everyday activities.
Equipment, walking aids and grab rails helped people stay independent and safer. Information about alarms, practical support and the Herbert Protocol was valued.
What people wanted to improve
People wanted clear advice about equipment, changes to their homes and staying safe as needs changed.
They wanted to know how to get help, with fewer services to contact.
8. Money and paying for care
What helped
People valued money support, help with forms and advice about carers’ allowances and managing money.
Advice about lasting power of attorney helped. These legal arrangements let you choose someone to make certain decisions for you.
What people wanted to improve
People worried about future care costs. Some carers felt there was little support for people paying for their own care.
They wanted clear money advice without needing the internet.
9. Planning future care
What helped
Planning ahead, including a lasting power of attorney, helped some people. Knowing support was available mattered.
What people wanted to improve
Some wanted to stay independent at home. Others were considering care homes.
They wanted clear information about choices and how decisions would be made.
People worried about dementia getting worse and its effect on family. They wanted earlier talks about end-of-life care, in manageable steps.
10. Listening to each person
What helped
People valued staff who listened and gave them time, and support from family, friends and services.
What people wanted to improve
Speak directly to the person with dementia, not only their carer.
Treat people as adults. Be patient with communication and find out about interests.
Fear of finding out, feeling judged and difficulty recognising dementia signs could stop people asking for help.
11. Knowing where to get help
What helped
The Dementia Advisory Service, groups and forums helped people find information. A phone contact and lists of local services and activities were useful.
What people wanted to improve
People wanted a clear information pack, short forms and information in small amounts.
They wanted a regular contact, services working together and help understanding next steps as dementia changed.
12. Transport and getting out and about
What helped
Family lifts, day-centre transport, wheelchairs and help getting around supported outings. Driving helped people stay independent and connected.
What people wanted to improve
Transport could be slow and bus stops hard to reach. People worried about losing independence when they stopped driving.
They wanted more choices, easier booking and clear information about volunteer lifts.
One person had difficulty taking mobility equipment on a group trip.
13. Information online and on paper
What helped
Email and websites let people reread information in their own time. Advisory Service emails, activity timetables and the Dementia Directory helped.
What people wanted to improve
Some had no computer or lacked confidence using one.
They wanted paper information, help using library computers and technology support suited to people who find it difficult.
Thank you for your feedback
Bracknell Forest Council, working in partnership with:
