This case study highlights how impactful early intervention can be -even a single conversation, if well-timed, can reduce anxiety and create space for families to think clearly.

At Cynon Linc, our Dementia Matters team regularly meets people facing difficult crossroads - often when they don’t know where to turn next. This was the case for Mr J, who recently dropped in to seek help and guidance about his mother’s upcoming Memory Services assessment. He was worried about how the appointment would unfold, how best to support his parents, and what to expect in the weeks ahead.

Mr J explained that his father, now a full-time carer, was beginning to feel the strain, and the wider family was becoming anxious. He had tried to make sense of the assessment process on his own, but found little clear information available. What he really needed was to understand what lay ahead - so he could help his parents feel more in control.

Fortunately, Rachel, our Dementia Matters Programme Manager, was on site that day. Although they only had time for a brief chat, a follow-up call was arranged for the very next day. During the call, Rachel took time to answer Mr J’s questions about Memory Services, the assessment process, and what the family could expect. Drawing on close working relationships with the local Memory Services team, she was able to describe the appointment in detail - reassuring Mr J that his mother could be accompanied, naming the staff likely to be involved, and explaining what the follow-up care might look like.

Importantly, the conversation also provided a chance to clarify some common misconceptions about dementia and explore other areas of support the family might benefit from, such as potential entitlements and benefits.

Mr J was open and engaged throughout, and deeply appreciative of the time, clarity and reassurance offered. He shared that both his parents would likely benefit from ongoing involvement with the Dementia Matters programme - and expressed relief at feeling better prepared for the road ahead.

A follow-up conversation after the assessment confirmed that the experience had been positive. The family had met the key people they’d been told about and felt more confident navigating the next steps. While Memory Services continue their work with the family, the Dementia Matters team remains in close contact and ready to offer additional support whenever it’s needed.

“It’s always a privilege to improve someone’s situation,” Rachel said. “Mr J simply wanted to do right by his parents, and by spending a bit of time listening and sharing what we knew, we helped him feel ready for what lay ahead.”

This case highlights how impactful early intervention can be -even a single conversation, if well-timed, can reduce anxiety and create space for families to think clearly. In Mr J’s case, it also laid the groundwork for trust, paving the way for stronger support moving forward.

Sometimes, people don’t need all the answers - they just need to know someone’s there to ask.