Getting help with Dementia
What is Dementia?
The term 'Dementia’ describes a set of symptoms, which include loss of memory, mood changes, and problems with communication and reasoning.
These symptoms occur when the brain is damaged by certain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and damage caused by a series of small strokes (Vascular dementia).
Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. How fast dementia progresses will depend on the individual person and the type of dementia they have. Each person is unique and will experience dementia in their own way.
Dementia usually affects older people and becomes more common with age, although it can develop in younger people. Most people who develop dementia are over the age of 60 but it's important to remember that it’s not a normal part of growing old and that most older people never develop dementia.
Community support
Alzheimer's Society, South West London Office
Alzheimer’s Society have produced a Guide to Dementia Services in Richmond
(pdf, 997KB) and a list of Dementia services in Richmond(pdf, 295KB), including information on how to access these services.
Alzheimer’s Society South West London run a number of community support services in Richmond borough, these include:
- Trained Dementia Support Workers offer individual ongoing information programmes and emotional support to people with dementia and carers through home visits, telephone contact, email, post, dependent on the persons preference and needs.
- Dementia Advisors have an excellent working knowledge of dementia services available in the borough and will provide personalised information, signpost to relevant and appropriate services for them as individuals, including the Welfare Benefits Team, and provide a point of contact for anyone diagnosed with dementia in the Borough
- Dementia Support Groups where people with dementia can meet others in a similar situation and gain practical information as well as emotional support to promote self-esteem, coping and well-being in dementia.
- Carers Support Groups where carers of people with dementia can meet people in a similar situation and discuss issues that are important to them as well as gain useful practical information and establish supportive peer networks.
- Dementia Café’s where people with dementia and those who care for them can spend time together in a supportive non-judgemental environment and gain practical information, peer support, 2 hours respite and activity.
- Singing for the Brain provides structured group sessions for people with dementia and their carers designed around the principles of music therapy and singing, to encourage social interaction, peer support and active participation
- Dementia Training covering many different aspects of dementia, specialising in helping participants to develop a person-centred approach to dementia care.
- Information An information worker is available to visit public places including libraries and GP practices, to promote people with dementia and those who care for them accessing support.
For more information about dementia and to find out about support groups, activities and services in the borough, such as social events and dementia skills training, visit the Alzheimer's Society website, call 020 8877 0033 or email swlondon@alzheimers.org.uk
Woodville Centre at Ham
Woodville Centre at Ham is for Richmond residents over 60 years old with moderate to severe dementia and high level care needs. Woodville Centre offers safety, security and occupation. The Centre focuses on sensory stimulation, with a colourful environment, carefully chosen furnishings and a newly landscaped sensory garden. The centre is on one level and benefits from several rooms, for the benefit of our clients. Whilst offering group activities, we can offer support to individuals who require more specialist attention or individual care.
Homelink
Charity run Homelink is a nurse-led day respite centre for people who need specialist support because of age, disability, sensory loss or physical/mental illness. It provides a happy and vibrant environment where people can enjoy each others' company supported by trained staff and volunteers. It also supports carers and enables them to take a well-earned break.
Caring Cafe
The Caring Café welcomes people with dementia and their carers to share experiences and enjoy time together. Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston and Alzheimer’s Society South West London staff are on hand to give support and advice.
If you’d like to come along, call Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston on 020 8943 9421 or the Alzheimer's Society on 020 8877 0033.
Dementia Care Homes
There are a number of both nursing and residential care homes available in borough that support people with dementia. The full list of in borough care homes(pdf, 181KB) is available, this list identifies the homes that specialise in dementia care.
There is more information on residential and nursing care homes, including how to choose a suitable home and the cost of a care home.
Organising Support through Social Services
People with dementia (and their carers) may be eligible to receive support through social services. Visit our organising Dementia support page to find out if you are eligible for council support, how to get help with the cost of support and how to arrange your own support if you are not eligible for council funded support.