Supporting Families Living with Dementia: Introducing The Care Compass

At Bridge Street Dental Surgery, we believe that caring for our patients goes beyond looking after their smiles. Being part of our local community means supporting one another, sharing valuable resources and helping people access guidance when they need it most.

That's why we're proud to share The Care Compass, a wonderful resource created by one of our very own patients, Steven Evans, to help individuals and families navigate the challenges of dementia and later-life care.

The Personal Story Behind The Care Compass

The Care Compass was born from Steven's own experiences of caring for his loved ones during an incredibly difficult time.

In 2023, Steven's father was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. At the time, he was also the main carer for Steven's mother, who had been living with vascular dementia since 2020.

As his father's health deteriorated, Steven found himself navigating the complexities of arranging care for his mother while supporting his father through cancer treatment.

From understanding care options and funding to completing paperwork and making difficult decisions, Steven experienced first-hand just how overwhelming the care system can feel.

During this period, the family also faced further health challenges, adding to the emotional and practical pressures.

Sadly, Steven lost his father in October 2024 and his mother in July 2026.

Throughout these experiences, one thing became clear to Steven: families facing dementia and later-life care need somewhere they can turn for clear, practical and compassionate guidance.

Rather than leaving others to navigate these challenges alone, he decided to use his experiences to help families facing similar circumstances.

And so, The Care Compass was created.

What Is The Care Compass?

The Care Compass is a UK-based online resource designed to support people living with dementia, their families and those navigating later-life care.

It brings together helpful information, practical tools and step-by-step guidance in one accessible place, making it easier for families to understand their options and feel more confident about the decisions ahead.

The website covers a wide range of important topics, including:

• Understanding dementia: Guidance for families facing a diagnosis and learning what to expect.

• Exploring care options: Information about home care, residential care and changing support needs.

• Financial and legal planning: Help understanding care funding, benefits and Lasting Power of Attorney.

• Practical resources: Useful checklists, guides and tools to help families stay organised.

• Emotional support: Compassionate advice for carers and loved ones coping with difficult decisions, grief and bereavement.

  
  

The website also offers a seven-stage care journey, helping visitors find information relevant to their circumstances.

Whether you're beginning to notice changes in a loved one's memory, supporting someone following a dementia diagnosis or making decisions about long-term care, The Care Compass provides a helpful place to start.

Supporting Our Patients and Wider Community

At Bridge Street Dental Surgery, we understand that health and wellbeing involve much more than dental care.

For individuals living with dementia, maintaining everyday routines, including oral hygiene and dental appointments, can sometimes become more challenging. Families and carers may also find themselves managing additional responsibilities as their loved one's needs change.

We're pleased to support Steven's work by making The Care Compass booklets available at our reception, helping local families access guidance when they need it most.

Speaking about The Care Compass, Steven said:

"When my own family was facing later-life care, the hardest part was not knowing where to start. That's why I created The Care Compass: free, plain-English guidance for families, one step at a time. I'm so grateful to Nicola and the team at Bridge Street for giving our booklets a home at reception, so local families can find support close to home."

Discover The Care Compass

If you or someone you know is navigating dementia, caring for an ageing loved one or looking for guidance about later-life care, we encourage you to explore The Care Compass.

Visit www.thecarecompass.uk to discover free guidance, practical resources and helpful tools, or download the free booklet, A Quiet Place to Start, at www.thecarecompass.uk/free-booklet

We're grateful to Steven for sharing his story and creating such a valuable resource, and we hope it makes a real difference to families in our community.