Intensive Dementia Service

The Intensive Dementia Service (IDS) is a countywide crisis service for people with a diagnosis of dementia, or people who are thought to have a dementia who are registered with a GP in Somerset.

The teams can offer short term assessment, treatment, and support alongside other community services at times when there is an increase in behaviours that are proving difficult to manage. These behaviours may include physical aggression to care givers and increased agitation which in turn causes increased risks to the person themselves, towards others and puts strain on the carers/care home who is supporting the person.

About the team

The teams consist of experienced healthcare workers including registered nurses, mental health practitioners, assistant practitioners, community support workers, team manager and consultant psychiatrist who all have extensive knowledge of dementia and its management.

Team areas

The IDS East team covers the East side of Somerset including Glastonbury, Street, Wells, Frome, Wincanton, Chard, Crewkerne, Yeovil and surrounding areas.

The IDS West team covers the West side of the county including Minehead, Williton, Taunton, Bridgwater, Burnham on Sea and surrounding.

Who can refer to IDS

IDS accepts referrals from a variety of sources including health care professionals, care home staff and carers and families.

If a person has been recently discharged from IDS carers can still make contact if some further advice and support is required due to a deterioration in the persons mental health.

When to refer

A referral to the team can be made when there is an increase in the persons dementia symptoms. This includes increased aggression, increased agitation and distress which is leading to others becoming at risk and impacting on the wellbeing of those around them.

How to refer

Referrals are made over the telephone and a member of the team will ask further questions to help understand what the problem is and to help them decide what actions need to be taken.

What can IDS offer/do to help.

Depending on the persons situation a member of the team will either complete an initial assessment at the person’s home/care home or if we feel the referral isn’t for IDS we will give some advice and make onward referrals to ensure you receive the support required.

After initial assessment IDS can offer a number of interventions depending on the assessed need. These may include daily telephone support, daily visits, medication review, short term monitoring of medication changes, identifying and developing strategies to support and manage challenging behaviours, working alongside care givers to role model approach, carer support, liaison with other involved agencies and onward referrals to other services who will be able to help.