Ashcroft Unit

My Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia and prescribed drugs that contraindicated with the drugs he was already on. He does not have Alzheimer’s and this was a complete misdiagnosis. I think the doctor personally is a wonderful man but I do not rate the rest of his team. Prescriptions take forever to come through and if you want care for your loved ones you have to be prepared to chase and chase and chase the things they should be doing routinely.

My father has recently been diagnosed with vascular dementia and alzheimers. We have been visited by a CPN and other staff who have been nothing short of amazing. They have been wonderful support for my mum who is trying to care for my father and have answered all our many questions on the disease, progression and complicated medical and mental health issues. They have been a friendly face for her in difficult times and she can't sing their praises enough. They have also been very patient and understanding with my father giving him autonomy and information about his illness in a respectful manner.

Experience both good and bad. Good around people going through same thing. Bad because worrying about harming yourself. Checked three times on night. Shouldn’t go out. Phone me occasionally.

My psychiatrist is based at Ashcroft with Older Adults team. Initially after I saw him, I was visited every 2 weeks by CPN. After a year, my mental health was improving, and the visits stopped. Two years later I asked for support again, but could only get it once a month! Decided there was no point. This year I agreed with psychiatrist to change medication, but I am feeling extremely anxious waiting for the new one to work, and can get NO help, only allowed to see psychiatrist once every four months. Receptionist said they no longer had staff to do this, and she agreed that the situation could be painful for service users.