Beechwood Unit

This service is for anyone with a diagnosis of dementia who is deemed mentally unwell by their care coordinator in the community or by a community mental health team. Patients who are accepted on Beechwood would usually be very unwell and needing immediate treatment and support from an acute dementia ward.

Patients who are unwell in the community would usually see their GP as the first point of contact. If the GP needs further assessments completed they will refer to the specialist dementia teams in the community.

Beechwood Unit meets the needs of people experiencing dementia or who may have cognitive impairment or people who have a suspected dementia.

The team working on the ward include nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, and a psychologist. Each of these roles will be involved in assessing your situation and will work with you to develop your care plan. The team also have access to dieticians and physiotherapists if needed.

Professionals who specialise in dementia care, such as the specialist older people's mental health team can make a referral to Beechwood.

Right to know campaign - Can you help people like Linda get the right support? The Alzheimer’s Society has created a film where the viewer follows Linda through her diagnosis and sees how frightening and confusing it can be. The film also shows how much difference a dementia adviser or support worker can make. Watch it here.  

A Guide to Dementia Care at Home - This booklet, developed by Helping Hands Home Care, provides an overview  of dementia to support people affected by dementia and those providing support. Download a copy here.  

NHS Choices - A good section on dementia.