Dementia Support

Christine Horn

Dementia Team

Leader

We Run a Dementia Support Line, Call Today

Call 01206368420 option 5 For Help

Living with Dementia can be a challenge. The lock down introduces even more challenges. Call and speak to our advisor who can guide you through some practical hints and tips to try and help at this time.

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Scientists still have lots to learn about the development of dementia in which alas there is currently no cure yet. Instead they are focused on research so that we are better able to prevent or control various aspects of the condition. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that we do know about dementia which will have a significantly positive impact over time especially for someone newly diagnosed. The Tendring Dementia Action Alliance comprises of a number of local organisations around NE Essex dedicated to raising awareness who have adopted a collective Prevent, React and Support strategy as a means to create a dementia friendly community throughout the Tendring peninsula.

As an organisation to support the community we will aim to uphold the following values –

To differentiate fact from fiction in regards to Dementia.
To get rid any stigma so people are treated as individuals.
To encourage strengths and capabilities of any one person with Dementia to build their confidence to cope.
To raise awareness of different manifestations of the condition under the umbrella definition of dementia.

Dementia Friends

We recommend investigating Dementia Friends Charity who aim to help as many people with Dementia as possible with their families and carers.

Investigate how to become a Dementia Friend. After filling a form you will be able to watch a short video focusing on the experiences of three people living with dementia.

“A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help their community.

Too many people affected by dementia feel that society fails to understand the condition they live with. Dementia Friends help by raising awareness and understanding, so that people living with dementia can continue to live in the way they want.”

https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBArticle?page=become-dementia-friend

The Tendring Dementia Action Alliance

Tendring Dementia Action Alliance have been Accredited by the Alzheimer’s Society as working towards a Dementia Friendly Organisation.

We are now able to work with companies, deliver Dementia Friends sessions or bespoke Dementia Training and support organisations with Action Plans to award them with accreditation.

A dementia-friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported. In a dementia-friendly community people will be aware of and understand dementia, so that people with dementia can continue to live in the way they want to and in the community they choose.

Communities who wish to be recognised as dementia-friendly can register on Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friendly Communities recognition process. These communities will be considered to be ‘working to become dementia friendly’ and may use the ‘Working to become Dementia Friendly’ symbol (‘the symbol’) as long as they are part of this process.

Prevent React Support Strategy

Prevent

We do know from extensive research that the key to prevention is to maintain a healthy lifestyle as much as possible in everything we do which is more likely to slow the onset of dementia in any one individual. Of course nothing can be for certain, but through exercise you can reduce the risk of developing dementia by avoiding physical problems that are mostly associated with it, such as heart problems and strokes. Also keeping your mind active will help preserve the brain in good working order for longer.

At Age Concern Colchester and NE Essex we are committed to operating within the two key areas of Health in Body and Health in Mind

Health in Body includes:

Avoiding smoking
Undertaking regular exercise
Eating a balanced diet
Monitoring Diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol so that both are treated accordingly

Heath in Mind includes:

Exercising the mind with hobbies, board games or maybe learn something new
Being socially active – attending friendship groups or local activities across the community

In the heart of Colchester we created the Age Concern community hub, know as the Veranda, where we have created a variety of friendship groups and clubs designed around both the Health in Body and Mind ethos. You can see what’s on by consulting the events page on our official website.

https://www.ageconcerncolchester.org.uk/events/

CVS Tendring Hill Project

Across the Tendring peninsula CVS Tendring’s HILL project clubs provide a perfect environment to develop lifestyle choices for both Health in Mind and Health in Body. They run the Clacton Dementia Cafe which is a friendly place where people with dementia, their families and friends can come and meet. You can access the CVS Tendring Hill Projects here to see what is available across Tendring:

https://www.cvstendring.org.uk/hill-projects.html

2. React

To tackle Dementia across the country, groups of local organisations have come together to form a Dementia alliance in order to swiftly react to what is a growing number of people in later years developing Dementia related illnesses. By networking local resources, there is a coordinated effort to improve Dementia services, so the community is well prepared in the long run. A Dementia Alliance can plan a set of measures which are applicable to their particular area, also raise awareness with the help of local organisations willing to come on board. Equally this means reflecting upon the issues raised by members of the community which are particularly relevant to them, likewise to highlight aspects of Dementia care which should be provided for everyone when they require it.

Here in Essex we are all aim to improve awareness about dementia and the deeper understanding of this condition. So we at Age Concern Colchester and NE Essex have been proud to work alongside our partner organisations who are taking a similar approach to us over Dementia action. If we work together we will be better able to understand and learn about Dementia in all its forms and support our community accordingly.

The Tendring Dementia Action Alliance is led by the CEO of Age Concern Colchester and NE Essex, Simon Prestney. If you have any questions for him or would like to get involved you can e-mail him here. [email protected]

3. Support

Once you have received a diagnosis there are lots of organisations in your area ready and willing to support you for the best advice. If there is someone you know newly diagnosed, don’t panic, as there are many options for support. Nobody should feel as if they need to face this situation alone.

Talk face to face in a group setting or over an internet forum with people who have had similar experiences of dementia. There may be some dementia groups in your area you could join for guidance and reassurance from people who have had similar experiences to you.
Consult with GPs, counsellors and other health professionals (e.g. dementia specialist nurse, occupational therapist). Web sites will have up to date information on NHS services which support Dementia patients.
Home adaptions – Use of equipment around the home so one can live independently for as long as possible. This can include modifications of existing infrastructure to accommodate those with Dementia.