Navigating Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide to Local Resources in East Hampshire, UK
Dementia is a complex condition that affects not only individuals but also their families and caregivers. In East Hampshire, UK, several resources are available to support those living with dementia, providing a network of assistance, information, and community engagement. Whether you’re seeking healthcare facilities, support groups, or community programmes, this guide aims to outline the diverse array of resources available, their accessibility, and how to access them.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are many other types, each with its own set of symptoms and challenges.
Support Groups and Community Programmes
1. Alton Community CentreServices: Day Care service and Memory Lane CafeDescription: Offers a range of events and classes throughout the year for individuals with memory loss and their carers.Contact: Alton Community Association2. Andover MindServices: Dementia advice service, carer support, and counsellingDescription: Provides crisis support through their Safe Haven in Aldershot.Contact: 0300 5000 907, Email Andover Mind3. Winton House Memory Café, PetersfieldServices: Monthly gathering providing a friendly atmosphere for those affected by dementiaWhen: Third Wednesday of the month, 2:00pm – 3:30pmContact: 01730 266046, Email Winton House4. Alzheimer’s SocietyServices: Dementia Support Service, Companion Calls, Singing for the Brain, Dementia Talking PointDescription: Offers information, practical guidance, and social engagement opportunities for individuals and their carers.Contact: 0333 150 3456, Email [email protected]
Healthcare Facilities
1. Admiral Nurse HampshireDescription: Provides specialised support to military families dealing with dementia.Contact: 0808 802 8080, Email Admiral Nurses
Essential Resources and Programmes
1. Lions Message in a Bottle SchemeDescription: Provides essential personal and medical details in case of emergencies.Contact: Health centres, hospitals, and community centres2. The Bobby SchemeDescription: Offers free home safety and security surveys for individuals living with dementia.Contact: 0300 777 0157, Email [email protected]3. OPAL (Older People’s Area Link)Description: Provides information and services for older people, including those with dementia.Contact: 0800 328 7154, [email protected]4. Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service – Safe & Well VisitsDescription: Provides free home safety checks and health referrals for vulnerable members of the community, including those with dementia.Contact: 023 8062 6751, [email protected]5. Meals on Wheels HampshireDescription: Delivers lunches and teas for the over 55s.Contact: 01962 779338Website: www.hants.gov.uk/meals-on-wheels6. Living Well Aging WellLast Updated October 2016 – Directory of Activities and Services for Older People in East Hampshire 20167. Dementia Friendly HampshireDescription: Initiative to create a supportive environment for those living with dementia.Contact: 07557 653229, Email Dementia Friendly Hampshire8. Companion CallsProvides social chats for people with dementia and their caregivers to reduce loneliness.9. Singing for the BrainA singing group for people affected by dementia, also available online.10. Dementia Talking PointAn online community for anyone affected by dementia to receive valuable support.Website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-talking-point-our-onlinecommunity11. Alzheimer’s Society Contact DetailsAvailable for information and support.12 .Legion’s LegendsA social group held at Alton British Legion.Contact: 07922 022 321 or 07771 790 22813. Alton Memory Lane Music CaféA fun, sing-along workshop for people with dementia and their caregivers.Contact: 07922 02232114. Dementia-friendly Tea Dances at the LegionMonthly tea dances with support from dance school and care providers.Contact: 07922 02232115. Memory Lane ClubAn opportunity for those with dementia and their carers to meet with others for support and enjoy various activities.Contact: 01420 8505716. FLOURISH Gardening and Horticulture TherapyOffers outdoor sessions for those with dementia and their caregivers.Contact: 07922 02232117. Dementia-friendly Well-being WalkProvides an opportunity for those with dementia and their carers to meet with others for support and enjoy gentle walking exercise.Contact: 07922 02232118. National and district-wide contactVarious organisations provide support and information.19. Age Concern HampshireProvides village agent scheme and other support services.Contact: 01962 892 443Website: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/village-agent20. Andover Mind Carer Support and Dementia Advice ServiceOffers support and signposting for people with dementia and their caregivers.Contact: 01264 332 297, [email protected]21. Community Transport East Hampshire – Call and GoProvides transportation services.Contact: 01420 475 759,Website: www.communitytransporteasthampshire.co.uk22. Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service – Safe and Well VisitsOffers home safety checks.Contact: 023 8062 6751, [email protected]Website: www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safeandwell23. Hampshire libraries and Home library serviceProvides information and library services.Hampshire libraries: 0300 555 1387Home library service: 0845 603 563124. Legal Advice Clinic – East HampshireOffers free legal advice sessions.Contact: 0800 328 715425. Meals on Wheels HampshireProvides meal delivery services.Contact: 01962 779 338Website: www.hants.gov.uk/meals-on-wheels26. OPAL (Older People’s Area Link)Provides local information and services.Contact: 0800 328 7154, [email protected]27. Princess Royal Trust for Carers emergency planningOffers support and planning for emergencies.Contact: 0845 604 157728. Talking PointAn online community for people with dementia and their caregivers.Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk/talkingpoint29. Wellbeing WalksVarious health walks across East Hampshire for any ability.Contact: 01730 266 551, [email protected]30. CAB outreachProvides advice and support.CAB outreach – Liphook: The Millennium Hall, No 2 Ontario Way, Liphook,GU30 7LDCAB outreach – Headley Down: Woodlands Hall, Larch Road, Headley Down,GU35 8AS31. Methodist Homes Associations (MHA) Communities in HampshireOffers various activities to tackle loneliness and isolation.Contact: 01256 326 02232. Sunflower Café BordonA café welcoming people living with dementia and their caregivers.Contact: 01252 782 42633. Musical Moments Social AfternoonA musical session for people living with dementia and their caregivers.34. Petersfield Alzheimer’s Society Friendship ClubAn informal group offering social contact and support.Contact: Julie Osborne, 07889 605216, [email protected]35. DEMENTIA ADVICE SERVICE – BORDON, HAVANT & PETERSFIELDProvides support for those affected by dementia.36. NATIONAL DEMENTIA HELPLINEDescription: Offers information, support, and guidance.Contact: 0300 222 112237. Alton Day CentreProvide day care services for older individuals.Contact: 01420 84257, [email protected]38. Bordon Day CentreProvide day care services for older individuals.Contact: 01420 474294, [email protected]
How to Access These Resources
Accessing these resources often requires simple steps such as contacting the provided phone numbers or visiting the respective websites. Referrals may be necessary for certain services, while others may offer drop-in sessions or scheduled events. It’s essential to reach out directly to the organisations for specific details on accessing their services.
Conclusion
Living with dementia presents unique challenges, but with the support of local resources in East Hampshire, individuals and their families can find assistance, guidance, and community connection. Whether through support groups, healthcare facilities, or essential services, these resources aim to improve the quality of life for those affected by dementia. Remember, you’re not alone, and help is available.
