Dementia and memory
Memory loss can disrupt daily life and may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Obtaining a proper diagnosis of dementia is vital as it helps to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms so that you receive the correct treatment options. If you think that you, or someone you care for is suffering from memory loss please contact your GP to be referred for an assessment.
Camden Memory Service
Camden Memory Service provides advice and support for people who are worried about their memory. To access this service you should first speak to your GP who can refer you. After you are referred by your GP, the Camden Memory Service will phone you to talk about your concerns and treatment options.
Sometimes it can be a good idea to have a family member, friend or carer involved in the assessment. With your permission they can contact someone you trust for more information.
If dementia is diagnosed, you along with your family or carers will be given information about the condition and the range of local services that can help to meet your needs.
Camden Memory Service offer free Connecting Conversations for Camden residents living with dementia or caring for someone who is. These sessions are relaxed gatherings, where you can connect with people who can provide you with support and information to continue doing the things you love and to find out about new opportunities for you in the community.
The Connecting Conversations team have developed a monthly calendar of events and activities in and around the borough of Camden for individuals living with dementia and their carers. You can download the upcoming listings below.
For more information about the Camden Memory Service, contact them on:
Phone: 020 3317 6584
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.northlondonmentalhealth.nhs.uk/service-details/service/camden-memory-service-85/
Dementia Wellbeing and Dementia Befriending service - Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden run a Dementia Wellbeing and Dementia Befriending service that provides specialist support to Camden residents aged 55 and over who are in the early or moderate stages of dementia, to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged. Age UK Camden are contactable by phone on 020 7239 0400.
Getting help from Adult Social Care
If you are diagnosed with dementia and you need practical support at home or with getting out and about, Adult Social Care can help you.
For information on contacting Camden Adult Social Care about care and support - including how to make a referral for yourself or someone else - please visit: Contact Adult Social Care
If you are having difficulties completing a referral form, require urgent support, or are concerned about the immediate safety of a vulnerable person, please phone Contact Camden on 020 7974 4444, and when prompted, say ‘Adult Social Care’.
An assessment is a conversation with Adult Social Care to work out what care and support. arrangements you might need, based on what is important to you.
Visit About Adult Social Care to find out more about how Adult Social Care can support you.
Support for carers
Camden Carers runs a monthly Dementia Carers Group on Zoom. This offers an informal friendly environment for unpaid carers supporting someone with a formal diagnosis of dementia. Camden Carers are also contactable by phone on 020 7428 8950.
Kentish Town Health Centre run a monthly support group for carers of people living with dementia, on the first Tuesday of the month 2-3pm. For more info contact Nori on [email protected]
Other help and support available
If you receive a diagnosis there are some support options available in Camden.
The NHS provide information About Dementia, such as understanding some of the signs of dementia, why it is important to get a diagnosis, and what we can all do to help with the dementia challenge.
The Dementia Action Alliance aims to enable people to live well with dementia. Organisations can join their local Dementia Action Alliance to become Dementia Friendly. Organisations in Camden are free to join the Alliance and they can find out more details by emailing Miles Maier at [email protected].
West Hampstead Community Centre are hosting a free Memory Cafe, open to people experiencing memory loss, and their friends and carers. For full details please visit their website, phone Darshan Vora on 0203 921 1111, or email [email protected].
Dementia Adventure supports people living with dementia to get outdoors, connect with nature, themselves and their community, and keep a sense of adventure in their lives – whatever ‘adventure’ may mean to the individual. They run supported holidays for people with dementia and their carers, enabling both parties to enjoy a short-break together. For full details, including a list of holiday destinations, you can visit their website at www.dementiaadventure.org or you can contact the team at 01245 237548, or by email [email protected]
Dementia Adventure also provide free training for people supporting somebody with dementia, designed to help you feel more confident and connected. These friendly, informal online sessions are open to unpaid carers, friends and family members across the UK. To learn more and buy your free ticket to a Dementia Adventure event or training session, visit their website or their Eventbrite page.