Cognitive Dementia & Memory Service (CDAMS) is a specialist diagnostic service for people who are concerned about changes to their memory and thinking.
Services Offered
CDAMS provides:
Expert clinical diagnosis
Information on appropriate treatments
Education, support and information
Direction in planning for the future
Information on dealing with day to day issues
Linkages for clients or their family to other service providers or community supports
CDAMS does not provide ongoing treatment or case management.
What is involved in a CDAMS Assessment?
A CDAMS assessment will include medical, allied health and/or nursing consultations. This generally includes an initial visit to your home by either the clinic nurse or allied health professional.
Other specialist assessments will be conducted at the Footscray Hospital. The outcome of these consultations and recommendations will be discussed with the person, and if agreed to, with their family and general practitioner.
Interpreters can be arranged where English is not the first language of the person to be assessed, or their family.
CDAMS Team
The CDAMS team include:
Geriatricians
Psychiatrist
Neuropsychologist
Social Worker
Community Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Speech Pathologist
Who May Use the Service?
Clients requiring a diagnosis or explanation of the memory problems that are causing them or their family concern
Clients where the diagnosis is already known would generally NOT be eligible for our service unless a specialist second opinion is required
Any adult can attend CDAMS, however the clinic is predominately focused on memory problems associated with ageing
Clients usually living in the council areas of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham and the Shire of Melton
For those clients wishing to attend Western Health's CDAMS Clinic who live outside of these areas, please contact the service to discuss the most appropriate Clinic location.
There is no fee involved and interpreters are always used if needed.
Intake and Referral Guidelines
Please review the guidelines before referring a client to CDAMS to ensure that the referral meets eligibility and triaging criteria. Referrals with insufficient information to facilitate triage will be returned with a request for additional information which may delay access to this service.
If you have any questions please contact 8345 7865.
Making a referral
Referrals may occur from any source, including the client, family, GP, Specialist or other advocates for the client. Referrals can be made by telephone, fax or mail to the Intake worker on the contact numbers listed below. Where a client or family refers, their GP will be asked to provide some medical information. The CDAMS referral form should be completed, if possible.
Contact Us
Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS)
Footscray Hospital
160 Gordon, street, Footscray
Phone: 8345 7865
Fax: 8345 6394
