Frequently asked questions
📍 Access & Appointments
Do you offer face-to-face support?
Yes — we offer home visits in Northamptonshire, South Leicestershire, & parts of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, & Buckinghamshire. Contact us to find out if we cover your area.
We also offer a UK-wide online service, equally effective & accessible from home.
What if I can’t make an appointment?
We understand life with dementia or caring responsibilities can be unpredictable. Please let us know in advance — we offer flexible rescheduling & can involve a family member to help you apply what’s discussed.
Are online sessions as effective as face-to-face? Yes — our online dementia support is just as effective as in-person coaching. It offers flexibility, reduces travel stress, and still allows for personalised, interactive sessions.
Many families prefer this option, especially when juggling work, care, & long distances.
How long will I need to use the service? That’s entirely up to you. Some families attend a few sessions, while others return over time as situations change.
Empátia is a flexible, ongoing support service — here for you when you need us, for as long as it helps.
Can Empatia contact my doctor or healthcare team? Empatia offers specialist dementia coaching, but we’re not a medical service. We don’t replace your GP, memory clinic, or social care team. For medical advice or care decisions, please contact your healthcare professionals directly. We're here to support you alongside their care, helping you feel more confident and informed.
What if I need urgent help? If you're in crisis or need urgent support, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services (999). Empatia is not a crisis service, but we’re here to support you through the challenges of dementia. For additional resources, see our list of helpful contacts.
💷 Payments & Costs
What are the costs?
Initial Assessment (90 mins) – £60
Communication & Behaviour Assessment (90 mins) - £60
Follow-up Sessions (60 mins) – £50
Courses & Workshops – Prices vary depending on delivery & content. Please contact us to discuss.
How do I pay?
You can pay by bank transfer (details will be emailed) or over the phone — just ensure payment is made at least 12 hours before your session.
💡 About the Service
What is Empatia Specialist Dementia Coaching?
Empatia provides specialist dementia support for people living with dementia, family carers & the whole family affected by dementia. We combine counselling, coaching, & dementia education to help you reduce the risk of later crises, keep strong relationships, & build resilience to navigate the journey ahead.
How is Empatia different from other services?
Unlike traditional services, Empatia combines coaching & counselling approaches, education, & practical strategies, built on over 20 years of clinical and academic expertise. We support both individuals & whole families — online or in your home —
To help you:
Understand dementia & manage symptoms
Adapt to changes in identity & relationships
Improve communication & emotional well-being
Plan for the future & prevent crises
Build lasting resilience & stability at home
What’s the difference between coaching and counselling approaches in dementia care? Empatia combines both:
Counselling helps explore & process emotions like grief, guilt, & anxiety.
Coaching builds practical skills, confidence, & future planning strategies.
Together, they provide holistic support — emotional & practical — tailored to life with dementia.
Do I need a diagnosis to use the service?
No. You can access our support even if you’re waiting for a memory assessment or formal diagnosis. We tailor sessions based on cognitive changes & your unique needs.
👥 Who It’s For
Who can benefit from this service?
People experiencing cognitive symptoms
People living with dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Family carers and friends supporting someone with dementia.
Whole families wanting to work together to reduce stress & improve communication
Do you offer group or joint family sessions? Yes — Empatia provides family sessions and joint coaching for couples or relatives who want to navigate dementia together.
These sessions help improve communication, strengthen relationships, & reduce tension by creating space for shared understanding & practical strategies.
Can younger family members attend sessions or courses? Dementia affects the whole family, & younger relatives —including adult children & even teens. People over the age of 18 are welcome to participate.
We adapt our approach to meet everyone’s level of understanding & help families talk more openly about what’s happening
I struggle with memory or communication — can I still participate?
Yes. Our sessions are adapted for your needs & pace. Many people living with dementia experience memory & communication challenges — it doesn’t stop you from engaging meaningfully.
🎓 Courses & Learning
Who delivers the courses?
Our courses are led by experienced Empatia Dementia Coaches & typically commissioned by organisations supporting people with dementia & their families.
What do the courses cover?
Courses are based on 5 core principles:
Ongoing Dementia Education & Emotional Support
Identity & Adapting
Communication & Behaviour
Transitions & Future Planning
Resilience & Sustainability
Participants also build a personalised dementia guidebook during the course — a practical and emotional resource tailored to their experience.
Is dementia education available for my organisation?
Yes, we offer tailored education packages and one-off sessions designed to meet the specific needs of your organisation. You don’t need to be directly involved with supporting people living with dementia or their families to benefit from this learning opportunity. If you're simply looking to gain more insight, we’ve got you covered!
To learn more, visit our Education & Courses page or feel free to reach out to us via email or through the website.
Email: contact@empatiadementia.org
Disclaimer
Empatia Specialist Dementia Coaching and Counselling draws on clinical and academic expertise. Please be aware that this is not a medical service. Our interventions are rooted in evidence-based psychological approaches.