Improving support for Muslims with dementia and their carers

In this video, Akhlak responds to a question that Asma puts to him about whether he feels comfortable and confident about signposting people living with dementia and their carers to mainstream support providers (national charities or statutory services).

Akhlak tells us that services should be knowledgeable about the structures of support available around dementia, and better informed about their statutory obligations. They should not signpost to other services without fully understanding what, and importantly whether, support is available.

Muslims in Britian need to be better informed about sources of support available to them, for example, direct payments to facilitate support that isn’t provided by mainstream services. You will find links to further information on direct payments below.

Muslim communities and institutions also have a part to play. Muslim support organisations should be well-informed on support structures so that they can challenge inequalities in mainstream service provision. Institutions, such as mosques, have a duty to ensure that religious communities are supporting families living with dementia.

Akhlak finishes by making some recommendations.

• Muslim carers should seek support and overcome any associated stigma.
• Organisations who provide support for dementia and dementia carers should not presume that Muslim communities are ‘hard to reach’ and find ways to collaborate with them, thinking creatively when needed.
• Muslims experiencing symptoms of dementia should seek support and assessment sooner rather than later, perhaps via their GP.

Signposting

Citizens Advice. Direct payments – what are they?

Carers UK. Direct payments

GOV.UK. Applying for direct payments