How Does Home Instead Epping Forest Support People Living With Dementia?
Discover how Home Instead Epping Forest supports people with dementia through events, advice, safety talks, and community partnerships.
At Home Instead, we are committed to improving the lives of people living with dementia, their families and the wider Epping Forest community.
Dementia can be challenging, but with the right understanding, resources, and community connections, individuals can maintain a sense of purpose and belonging.
Our year-round programme of events and partnerships is designed to increase awareness, provide practical help, and create opportunities for meaningful connection.
Dementia Friends Sessions
Our Dementia Friends Sessions are one of the ways we raise understanding in the community. Led by Debbie, our Head of Care Professional Experience and an Alzheimer’s Champion, these informal one-hour sessions explain how dementia affects people and how to offer better support.
Recently, Debbie hosted a session at Epping Town Hall, with another planned for Waltham Abbey Town Hall in November. They are open to everyone and offer practical, easy-to-understand advice.
This picture highlights Debbie during a Dementia Friends session at the Town Hall in Epping.
Local Dementia Information Drop-ins
We run monthly Dementia Information Drop-ins at Ongar and Loughton Libraries – no booking needed! These sessions give people the chance to ask questions, collect leaflets, and learn about local services. In July, we supported the Ongar Summer Memory Train, where our Care Professional, Kevin, played guitar and sang familiar songs to passengers, creating a joyful and uplifting atmosphere.
This photo features the Epping Mayor with Kevin on the Memory Train
Memory Lane Café and Singing for the Brain
Our Memory Lane Cafés take place monthly at Theydon Bois Village Hall, offering a relaxed setting for conversation, refreshments, and activities. In July, we welcomed guest speaker Jina, a Benefits Adviser, who provided valuable guidance on financial support for those living with dementia. We also run Singing for the Brain sessions at the same venue, using music to unlock memories and encourage participation.
This photo features Maureen leading one of our Memory Lane Café sessions.
Spotting the Signs of Dementia
We provide free resources to help families recognise potential early symptoms, including our ‘Spot the Signs’ leaflet and ‘My Checklist for Possible Dementia Symptoms’. Early awareness can make a real difference in accessing support, planning care, and maintaining quality of life. Our team can talk through your concerns and suggest the right next steps.
Scam Awareness and Safety Support
We work closely with Essex Police to host Scam Awareness Talks, helping older adults and their families protect themselves from fraud. This year, we’ve organised sessions at Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre and Ongar Leisure Centre, with another planned for Waltham Abbey Town Hall in October. Safety and security are essential parts of living well with dementia, and these talks provide practical, actionable advice.
Partnering With Local Groups
Home Instead Epping Forest actively supports a range of local groups, including the Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, and Chigwell Memory Cafés, the Community Hub in North Weald, and Dementia Bowls. We encourage our clients to attend these sessions, which provide both social contact and valuable peer support.
Working With St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping
Every six months, we are invited to contribute to the final session of the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy course at the Mental Health Unit at St Margaret’s Hospital. This 15-week programme is designed for people newly diagnosed with dementia, and our involvement helps reinforce the importance of continued support beyond hospital care.
Find Out About Upcoming Dementia Events
We keep the community updated on all our dementia-related activities, from Dementia Friends Sessions to drop-ins, cafés, and safety talks.
For full details, contact Maureen, our Community Relations Manager, at [email protected] or call 01992 666777.
Pictured here is Maureen, our Community Relations Manager.
Why Our Dementia Care Stands Out
Our approach combines high-quality home care with deep community involvement. We believe dementia care should be about more than practical support; it should connect people to meaningful experiences, provide information and safety, and ensure no one faces dementia alone.