Dementia support

Living with dementia, or caring for someone who does, can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone.

We're committed to creating a dementia-friendly community where people affected by dementia can live well, stay connected, and access the right support at the right time. 

What is dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease but a group of conditions that affect the brain, leading to problems with memory, thinking, language, and your daily life. More about dementia from the NHS

Worried about your memory?

If you’re concerned about memory problems or need advice speak to your GP.

Early diagnosis can help you with:

  • Treatment and therapies to manage any symptoms
  • Support services for practical and emotional help
  • Planning for the future

Get Adult Social Care support

If you or someone you care for needs help with daily living due to dementia, you may be eligible for social care support. This can include help at home, respite care, or supported living options.

Local dementia support

There are a number of different ways to get support in the borough.

Assessments, diagnosis and support

Support groups and wellbeing

  • Rochdale Mind Dementia Wellbeing Service - provides emotional wellbeing support, dementia cafés, and social groups in multiple languages.
  • Milnrow Wellbeing Café - a relaxed monthly support group offering advice from Alzheimer’s Society, entertainment, and guest speakers.
  • Music Cafés - weekly sessions across Rochdale and Greater Manchester, using music to support people living with dementia and their carers.
  • Singing for the Brain - fortnightly sessions at Castleton Community Centre combining music, conversation, and social interaction to boost wellbeing.
  • CAS Community Care for Seniors and Carers - a project creating inclusive spaces for older adults and carers to connect, access practical support, and improve wellbeing.

Learning about dementia

Activities and days out

Support for those who care for people with dementia

Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding but also challenging.

The Carers’ Hub provides a single point of access for carers of all ages. You can access one-to-one support, peer support groups, the Carers Help and Talk (CHAT) Line and more.

Late stage dementia support

As dementia progresses, care needs often become more complex. In the borough of Rochdale, there are specialist services to support people in the later stages of dementia and their families:

  • Springhill Hospice - provides palliative and end-of-life care for people with advanced dementia, focusing on comfort, dignity, and emotional support for both the individual and their loved ones.
  • The Willows Dementia Hub - specialist dementia care home offering short-term and long-term care for people with significant cognitive needs. The Willows provides a safe, supportive environment with skilled staff and tailored activities to maintain quality of life.
  • The Carers’ Hub - The Carers’ Hub and local hospice teams offer emotional support, respite options, and guidance on planning for end-of-life care.
  • The Oasis Unit at Rochdale Infirmary - a specialist 10-bedded medical unit for patients with dementia or cognitive impairment who are also medically unwell.

Dementia and brain health quality standards

Dementia United is part of the NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care System. It works with all 10 local authorities in Greater Manchester, healthcare partners, and people with dementia to improve care and reduce differences in access and outcomes.

As of April 2024, all 10 local authorities in Greater Manchester have agreed to follow the Greater Manchester Dementia and Brain Health Quality Standards.

  • Dementia United - find resources, information about the dementia quality standards and more.