"I found the whole experience very positive"

I asked our GP for a referral because my dad had been experiencing memory problems and some confusion. We recently attended the assessment, and I found the whole experience very positive.

The nurse handled the assessment with great professionalism. It was well-structured, and he included me throughout, which really helped put me at ease. He asked for my dad’s opinions and also mine, which made the process feel balanced and respectful. I was nervous beforehand, but I was so pleased with how smoothly it went—you can tell he is very experienced.

One thing I did notice was the feedback questions we were asked to complete beforehand. I had to be very tactful with handing it back in, and it would have been awkward if my dad had seen me handing them in, as he might have felt I was going behind his back. Perhaps emailing the form or arranging a phone call beforehand would make this easier for families in similar situations. I did call a couple of days before because I was worried how I was going to hand them in without my dad seeing them. I think seeing the answers would have really upset him.

On a positive note, the GP had arranged a scan before the memory assessment, so we had a clear picture straight after the assessment. The nurse gave us a brief outline of what the findings were indicating, which was very helpful. We’re now scheduled to meet the medical team next week for a formal diagnosis and a more detailed explanation of his condition.

Overall, the service was excellent, and I feel reassured that we’re in good hands moving forward.