Jacqueline tells us how the Dementia Outreach team (DOT) supported her and her husband Grant in a crisis. Jacqueline wanted to tell her story to share her gratitude for the DOT team’s support, and in the hope that by sharing, she can raise awareness of the service, and perhaps make other carers prepare for the challenges that may be ahead.

The DOT team are specialist nurses who can provide rapid response and support in times of crisis for people with a diagnosis of Dementia. This service aims to support patients and their carers for up to 6 weeks crisis intervention/treatments. Referral can be made via the GP and if patients still require intervention following the 6 week period, they will be referred back to CMHT(OA) for ongoing support from a community mental health nurse.