Dementia Guidance and Support

In my supportive role, I work alongside individuals and families who are experiencing memory concerns or navigating life with dementia, providing practical guidance, signposting and education to help people feel informed at all stages. This work is deeply relational. I take time to understand each family story, culture and dynamics offering tailored support that respects individuality, honours lived experience and upholds dignity throughout.

What I Offer

Initial two hour in person consultation session including follow up summary of session with appropriate resources

Further or regular support required can be discussed depending on need

Benefits for Individuals and Families  

Understanding of available resources and support options 

Guidance tailored to your situation

Early intervention to prevent crisis

Confidence and empowerment in decision-making

Cost 

£150 … to be added ..

Testimonials

Social and advocacy support

Gina has worked with our family since the summer of 2023, initially to give social support to Mum following Dad’s dementia diagnosis but latterly this has involved more advocacy support.  I live in Australia and have really appreciated Gina’s support, regular communication and care for both Mum and Dad.   Gina has helped us all as a family, both emotionally and practically, with the ever changing challenges that dementia brings.   More recently Mum has been diagnosed with dementia too so this has increased our reliance on Gina to help navigate things from overseas.  

Gina has been proactive in advocating for Mum and Dad with regard to medical appointments as Mum has become less able.  Gina has been able to deal directly with medical doctors, social services and other professionals to assist with Mum and Dad’s ongoing care. I have complete confidence in Gina’s abilities to deal with issues on my behalf, she is diligent, professional and responsive.

Mum and Dad are now both in Residential Care and Gina’s help in advocating for Mum and Dad’s best interests during our Care home selection has been invaluable.  The transition from independent living to residential care for all families is very difficult and having Gina working with us and for us has been invaluable during this confronting period.  We are all very grateful we found Gina to help us navigate dementia’s path.  

— Dee Stone

Companion to John

Gina Awad has been providing a weekly companion service to my husband John, who lives with mixed dementia for 4 years. She completely understands the needs of someone living with dementia and is kind, considerate and always inclusive with John, building her time with him around his preferences, quiet when he's watching the news and watching with him, chatting when he wants to talk, playing cards with him, and ensuring he has drinks and snacks. She has taken him out on visits, where again she has been most attentive and looked after him with understanding and empathy. She has also done overnight stays and made John his evening meal, breakfast etc. John enjoys the time Gina spends with him and is always content and settled upon my return. I have no hesitation in recommending Gina as someone with a wide knowledge of dementia and able to be a companion to someone living with dementia, as well as giving support and guidance to family carers of someone with dementia, and of course that much valued break. She's made a significant benefit to both John's life and mine as his main carer.

— Jo Earlam 

Companion to Gilly, her family and friends

My mum was diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), a rare form of dementia that not only affects memory but also cognition of visual information. Basically, mum‘s brain struggles to process and understand what she sees.  I was keen to find out what Gina could offer in terms of guidance and support as I live 120 miles away with limited ability to be present when needed at short notice. My expectations compared to what Gina has provided however has been world’s apart. 

Gina has advocated for Mum, her housemate as carer, family and friends from the minute we got in touch. She has a holistic understanding of the disease and the dementia care industry that she was able to provide emotional support to all parties and guide us in the process of liaising with health and social services and care homes. Gina stepped into escalate when it was apparent. There was a safeguarding issue knowing how to work with the system so that we were heard by the right people and mum safety was given the priority she needed. She attended meetings with us and regularly obligated to ensure all the parts of this complicated situation happened in the right place at the right time. She has been and continues to be a sounding board and source of comfort and insanity at the most challenging times. The end result is that mum is in a lovely care home which meets her needs. She has stayed local and has support around her who genuinely understand her rare condition due to the communication Gina has had with the home and social services. Without Gina, I can only imagine how different our experience would’ve been to the detriment of mum. Her passion and relentless motivation shines in her drive to ensure appropriate care is delivered to those who need it.

-Nina Goodall (which hyphen as above?)