World Alzheimer’s Month in East Herts
World Alzheimer’s Month in East Herts: raising awareness, sharing stories, and supporting families.
Raising awareness, sharing stories, and standing together this September
Every September, World Alzheimer’s Month invites us to pause, reflect, and ask the important questions. Do we know the signs? Are we having open conversations? Are we truly listening when someone says, “I’m not quite myself lately”?
At Home Instead East Herts, we believe these conversations can’t wait. They start at our office doors and extend into the living rooms of our clients, the hearts of their families, and the communities we all call home.
What Is World Alzheimer’s Month?
World Alzheimer’s Month is a global initiative led by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), held each September. It aims to raise awareness, break down stigma, and encourage early support for those affected by dementia. World Alzheimer’s Day, observed on 21st September, marks the campaign’s peak.
In 2025, the theme is “Know Alzheimer’s, Know Dementia”. It’s more than a slogan; it’s a call to action. By recognising the signs early and seeking proper care, we can make a measurable difference in how individuals live with the condition.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What You Need to Know
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. It is a progressive neurological condition that interferes with memory, judgement, language, and day-to-day function. While it mostly affects people aged 65 and over, younger-onset cases are becoming increasingly recognised.
Common early signs include:
- Difficulty recalling recent events
- Trouble completing everyday tasks
- Changes in language and mood
- Withdrawal from hobbies or social situations
- Increased apathy or signs of depression
Despite these being known indicators, they are often misinterpreted as “normal ageing”. That’s why awareness is so important.
Across the UK, over 850,000 people live with some form of dementia, a number projected to exceed one million by the end of this year. In East Herts, like the rest of the country, the impact is deeply felt in families and communities alike.
Early Support Makes a Real Difference
Dementia doesn’t arrive overnight; it creeps in gradually. But as the condition progresses, support needs can increase quickly. That’s why early support is so important, not just for medical treatment, but for psychological, financial, and practical preparation.
A timely diagnosis can open doors to local memory clinics, tailored home care, support groups, legal planning, and future-proofed decisions.
At Home Instead East Herts, we see firsthand how early support can reduce stress for families and offer stability during uncertain times. Through consistent companionship and person-centred care, we aim to maintain routines and familiarity for our clients, helping them feel safe and supported in their own homes.
Legal Planning: It’s Never Too Early
One important message we want to share this World Alzheimer’s Month is about legal readiness.
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are legal tools that allow a trusted person to make decisions on someone’s behalf once they are no longer able to. There are two types:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA
- Health and Welfare LPA
These must be set up while a person still has mental capacity. That’s why starting early is so important, it gives individuals the chance to make their preferences known while taking pressure off their loved ones.
Local legal firms such as Bretherton Law offer helpful guidance on these options. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re happy to signpost you to local advisors we trust.
Dementia and Diversity: The Need for Inclusive Support
Although East Herts is often viewed as a predominantly older community, our population is also becoming increasingly diverse. But awareness and support services don’t always reflect that.
Research shows that people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds are less likely to receive timely diagnoses or culturally sensitive care. This is something we’re passionate about changing.
At Home Instead East Herts, we strive to provide care that respects every person’s cultural background, beliefs, and language. We work closely with local health professionals and community groups to build trust and ensure no one feels excluded from accessing help.
The Power of Research and Fundraising
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. That’s why research is vital, not just to find treatments, but to better understand how to live well with dementia.
This September, many are taking part in fundraising walks, coffee mornings, and awareness talks. Every step helps fund studies that could lead to earlier diagnosis, improved therapies, and stronger support systems.
If you’d like to join a local event or organise one of your own, Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Disease International have great resources to get you started.
And here at Home Instead East Herts, we’re also doing our bit. Our team is planning to wear purple throughout the week of 16th–22nd September, with bake sales, story-sharing sessions, and local memory cafés planned across Bishop’s Stortford, Ware, Hertford, and surrounding villages. If you’d like to take part or contribute, we’d love to hear from you.
How Our Office Is Getting Involved
We know change starts at home, or in our case, the office. This year, our team members are sharing their own stories about how dementia has touched their lives.
- One of our Care Professionals is bravely speaking about their father’s journey with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
- Our Care Coordinator is hosting a “Know the Signs” workshop for new staff.
- We’re inviting local GPs and memory clinic nurses to our community open day to help strengthen the links between families and healthcare professionals.
We’ll also be publishing real stories from our clients and their families throughout September (with their permission, of course), to give insight into the realities of living with dementia at home.
Five Ways You Can Support World Alzheimer’s Month in East Herts
Here are some ways you can help raise awareness and support families affected by dementia this September:
1. Wear Purple and Start a Conversation
Something as simple as wearing a purple ribbon and asking, “Do you know what this stands for?” can open up meaningful conversations.
2. Learn the Early Signs
Share what you’ve learned with your family, friends, or colleagues. Understanding the signs can lead to early intervention.
3. Volunteer Locally
Whether it’s with a local befriending scheme or by attending a Home Instead community event, your presence can make a difference.
4. Donate or Fundraise
Fundraising events provide much-needed funds for research and support services. You can join existing events or create your own.
5. Share Your Story
By sharing your experience, you might give someone else the courage to seek help. You never know who might need to hear it.
Shaping Dementia Care Locally
Home Instead East Herts is committed to working alongside local authorities, GPs, memory clinics, and community health teams to ensure dementia care is compassionate, responsive, and person-led.
We welcome feedback from families and carers. If you’d like to talk to us about your experience or suggest how we can better support those with dementia, please do get in touch.
Final Thoughts
World Alzheimer’s Month isn’t just about one day or one campaign, it’s about creating a community that sees, understands, and stands beside people living with dementia.
Here in East Herts, we’re proud to play our part in that journey. Whether you’re a family member, a carer, a neighbour, or just someone who wants to help, we invite you to join us this September.
Together, we can make dementia something we talk about, understand, and face with compassion.
Useful Links for Further Information:
- Alzheimer’s Society
- Alzheimer’s Disease International
- Join Dementia Research (NIHR)
- Dementia Friends
- Bretherton Law
Together, let’s create a more informed, supportive, and understanding East Herts.
Areas We Serve
Sawbridgeworth, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford & the surrounding areas
CM21 0, CM21 9, CM22 6, CM22 7, CM23 1, CM23 2, CM23 3, CM23 4, CM23 5, CM24 1, CM24 8, CM6 1, EN10 6, EN10 7, EN11 0, EN11 8, EN11 9, SG10 6, SG11 1, SG11 2, SG12 0, SG12 7, SG12 8, SG12 9, SG13 7, SG13 8, SG14 1, SG14 2, SG14 3, SG2 7, SG9 0, SG9 9
Allen House, Business Centre, The Maltings, Station Rd, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9JX, UK
01279 721443