USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS
There is a wealth of information available from various sources and it can be quite hard to find what you are looking for.
We have tried to split the information into five main headings. We have made each section a different colour to help you find your way around. Click on each button or scroll down to go to the section you want.
Please note that this page contains links to external websites. While we make every effort to keep these links up-to-date, if you find any which do not work please let us know at admin@dementiaharborough.org and we will update them. Inclusion of links does not constitute a recommendation by Dementia Harborough.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Love to Move Scheme
The BBC website has an item about a new chair-based gymnastics exercise programme which has significant benefits for people with dementia, according to Age UK. The Love to Move scheme is run by the British Gymnastics Foundation (BGF). A booklet containing exercises can be downloaded here.
From 17th January 2024 there will be a new free Love to Move session every Wednesday in Market Harborough at the Leisure Centre from 11.00am to 12 noon. Love to Move is a fun, age and dementia friendly seated movement to music. Participants has shown physical, emotional and cognitive benefits especially those living with Dementia and the sessions are designed to get you moving and have fun.
For more information and to sign up, please email liz.causon@tigers.co.uk Love to Move has been designed by specialists in association with the British Gymnastics Foundation and is supported by the Leicester Tigers Foundation
Games and activities for the elderly and people with dementia
If you are looking for games and activities for the elderly and people with dementia there are a number of companies which cater for this market including Relish and Activities to Share. These offer a range of products such as games, books and other aids to keeping minds occupied and happy.
ICare Meals on Wheels
ICare Cuisine is a commercial venture which delivers hot and frozen meals to you in your own home. Their website says "We provide a meal delivery service 7 days a week, 365 days a year and our meals meet the exacting National Association of Care Catering guidelines." "Our community assistants are not just delivery drivers. They are trained to reflect the ethos of care that runs through ICare and are trained to recognize well being signs and respond accordingly." They also offer a home shopping service.
For more information visit their website or call 01858 469902.
Exercises you can do in your chair
If you have been to our Dementia cafe you may well have enjoyed some of Debbie Appleby's exercise sessions. Debbie has kindly shared with us some notes on how you can do these exercises in your own home, and these can be found here.
Pompom - Dancing with Dementia
Pompom is a dance group for people with dementia and their carers and is run by The Marjorie May Dance Trust. For more details please see their poster.
MindforYou - support for those with dementia and their carers
MindforYou is an East Midlands based organisation which provides supported, personalised days out and short holidays in the Midlands and in Scotland. Their staff will familiarise themselves with your specific requirements so you can both relax and enjoy yourselves. They cater for small groups of up to 12 like-minded people. Their experienced dementia staff will be with you every step of the way to allow you the freedom to try new activities, to relax and to meet new people. Their latest brochure can be ordered here.
For more information phone 01509 351008 or email info@mindforyou.co.uk or visit their website.
The Respite Association
This charity provides short term assistance in the funding of appropriately qualified respite care for disabled, sick, elderly or terminally ill persons in order that their regular carer can be allowed to take a much needed break. For further information telephone 01406 373163, email help@respiteassociation.org or go to their website www.respiteassociation.org
The Respite Association now has two Holiday Caravans, one based in Skegness, Lincolnshire on The Richmond Holiday Park and at Newton Hall Holiday Centre in Staining on the outskirts of Blackpool. These are offered to suitable Carers for holidays “free of charge” for breaks of a week WITHOUT the person they normally careallowing a complete break from their caring duties and allowing them to build up their strength before returning to their loved ones and caring for them again. Carers who normally look after a sick or disabled husband/wife are allowed to take a friend or relative for company.
Therapy Treatments
The Therapy Directory website promotes the benefits of complementary therapy and aims to give visitors all the information they need to help them make an informed decision about whether therapy would be right for them. The website has an FAQs (frequently asked questions) section, a number of articles written by their members and the facility to search for a practitioner in your area.
MEMORY
House of Memories
This is a service run by Liverpool Museums with some useful information including details of an easy to use 'My House of Memories' App which allows people with smartphones and tablets to explore objects from the past and share memories together. It can be used by anyone, but has been designed for, and with, people living with dementia and their carers. More details about the App can be found here.
BBC Living with Dementia and Reminiscence Archive
Have you ever looked at the BBC’s Living With Dementia pages? Just click on the link to find all sorts of information.
Included within this is the Reminiscence Archive which has links to images, audio clips and videos from decades through from the 1930s to the 2000s. These items are grouped into different themes, or you can search through each decade. It’s well worth a look!
Playlist for Life - the importance of music
This charity says that there is mounting evidence that if people with dementia are offered frequent access to the music in which their past experience and memories are embedded, it can improve their present mood, their awareness, their ability to understand and think and their sense of identity and independence. This supports our practical experience from our Singing for Memories group where we know first-hand how powerful music can be.
Playlist for Life encourages families and carers of a person with dementia to create a playlist of uniquely meaningful music. Follow this link for more information.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a scheme aimed at helping to prevent situations where people might wander away from home, and helping the Police to find them if they do.
Full details, together with useful advice, are on the Leicestershire Police website together with a form which can be downloaded and completed in case Police help is needed. The form is in two parts; Part 1 contains background information about the individual (for example previous addresses, places of work, description etc) and can be completed in advance. Part 2 is completed when the person goes missing, with up-to-date information (for example what they were wearing, their state of mind etc).
A guide to adapting the home to make it more dementia friendly
This is a comprehensive guide to adapting the home to make it more dementia friendly.
The guide discusses minor adaptations that can be made to potentially enable the sufferer to remain independent for longer. There is also information about funding help if money is tight.
Leicestershire Adult Social Care
To request advice and a care assessment you can ring: 0116 305 0004 or email: adultsandcommunities@leics.gov.uk
Services include the provision of Assistive Technology which comprises a number of systems and devices that can help to keep people safe and supported in their own homes, such as alarms and sensors, clocks, pagers and memo reminders.
Planning for emergencies if you're a carer
Planning in advance can make an emergency easier to deal with if you can’t provide care. Follow this link for Leicestershire County Council Adult Social Care for advice. You can contact the Leicestershire Adult Social Care Team on 0116 305 0004 or email: adultsandcommunitiescsc@leics.gov.uk.
For emergencies that are out of normal office hours call the Emergency Duty Team on 0116 255 1606.
Keep Safe Places
A Keep Safe Place is somewhere a person can go if they feel vulnerable (upset, scared, worried, confused or distressed) and need immediate support whilst they are out in the community – usually in the town centre. Find out more about the scheme and Keep Safe Places in your area here.
INFORMATION
Dementia Carers Count – online information resource
Dementia Carers Count www.dementiacarers.org.uk is an organisation which supports the 700,000 family members and friends in the UK who are looking after someone with dementia.
To add to their range of support for family carers, they have created a useful, in-depth information that provides the kind of guidance and practical advice which is always accessible, quickly and easily, whenever it’s needed.
There is a comprehensive set of articles, videos, podcasts and presentations that between them would cover the most common themes, questions and concerns they hear from carers. Visit their Virtual Carers Centre at www.dementiacarers.org.uk/vcc
Find out about dementia research and how you can participate
In October 2015 Dr Sarah Baillon, a research fellow from Leicester University, explained to us some of the local clinical trials and research studies being undertaken to look at treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Research into dementia is vital if we are to tackle this disease and your help is needed, whether you have dementia or not. If you are interested in ‘signing up’ as being interested in hearing about research in which you may be able to participate, in your local area or even nationally, visit the Join Dementia Research website.
Alternatively you can sign up over the telephone by calling Alzheimer’s Research UK on 0300 111 5111 or the Alzheimer’s Society on 0300 222 1122.
NHS - Information About Dementia
The NHS has a very useful Guide to Dementia.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ('NICE') - Guidelines for supporting people with dementia
NICE provides guidelines and information about dementia and its treatment, together with useful questions which you may wish to ask healthcare professionals at each step.
This information can be viewed online here or downloaded here.
Alzheimer's Society - Dementia Guide
The Society have produced this dementia guide for anyone who has recently been told they have dementia. It will help you understand more about dementia and the treatments, support and services that are available. This can be downloaded in full, or ordered as a hard copy, from here.
Alzheimer's Society Factsheets
Alzheimer's Society has prepared a range of factsheets covering a wide range of dementia-related topics such as causes, progression and treatment of the disease, emotional and practical support, health and social care, and legal & financial information.
You can view the full list of factsheets, for download or ordering printed copies, here.
One which may prove useful is Things to Think About When Visiting Care Homes.
'Books on Prescription'-from your library - February 2015
A collection of 25 books has been put together by dementia healthcare experts, people with dementia and carer groups. The books provide support and advice for people with dementia and their carers and are available for anyone to borrow free of charge from their library. Libraries stocking these books include Market Harborough, Lutterworth, Oadby and Wigston. For more information visit the Reading Well website.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
By completing and registering these documents well in advance you can ensure that your wishes will be met by people you trust should you lose the mental capacity to make decisions for yourself. It is important not to leave this until it is critical. There are two documents relating to this; Health & Welfare and Property & Affairs.
For more information read this free downloadable guide.
The Office of the Public Guardian is responsible for registering LPA’s and follow the link for forms and further guidance.
Healthwatch Leicestershire
Healthwatch Leicestershire is the consumer champion for health and social care services within the city.
Their aim is to give the people and communities of Leicester a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care are provided locally.
Working on your behalf they will make sure that your views about a service you receive such as a visit to a dentist, doctors, hospital, day care centre or care home are heard and acted on.
If you have issues you wish to raise, good or bad, call them on 0116 2574 999 or fill in the Contact Form.
Paying For Dementia Care
Dementia care homes are expensive and support from Local Authorities is means tested.
A Personal Budget is money that a local authority allocates to a person who needs care and support. These needs must be assessed by the local authority to see whether the person is eligible for support. Some people with dementia may be eligible. For more information about Personal Budgets visit the Alzheimers Society's website.
It is strongly recommended that you take early steps to take good advice so that you can plan your financial affairs. To find out more about paying for care visit the Money Advice Service website.
Mental Health Foundation Publications
The Mental Health Foundation publishes a number of very interesting and informative booklets which are either free to download (although they do invite a donation to support continuation of the free download service) or can be purchased for a small fee.
Two which we think are particularly relevant are The Milk is in the Oven which explains how people with dementia might behave and feel, and provides young people with information about the illness and how to cope if someone they know has dementia. Also Becoming a Carer which explains some of the basic facts about dementia, gives ideas on where you can get practical and emotional support, offers advice on how to plan for the future, and provides some tips on caring for people with dementia.
Care UK - Activity Based Care ('ABC') Guide
Care UK have recently released their ABC Guide, providing information and support for people caring for an elderly loved one suffering from dementia. The guide is intended to inspire people caring for relatives with dementia to try new things in their daily care routines, and provide support to ensure the people with dementia continue to lead active lives.
Care Choices Guides
Their Dementia Friendly guides to living with dementia in our area have now been updated, and copies are available to read or download online. Printed copies are also available from Care Choices on 01223 207770 free of charge.
For Leicestershire go to www.carechoices.co.uk/publication/leicestershire-dementia-guide
The Northamptonshire edition of the guide is available at www.carechoices.co.uk/publication/northamptonshire-dementia-guide
The Leicester Care Services Directory contains listings of CQC registered care homes, nursing homes and home care providers as well as tips on staying independent for longer and information on how to access the support you need www.carechoices.co.uk/publication/leicestershire
or call 0116 3052169.
SUPPORT
Other Local Support and Social Groups
Support for Carers
Harborough and District Carers Wellbeing Group is back to meeting face to face. On the 4th Thursday of each month, 1.30pm to 3pm at the Wellbeing Hub (formerly the creche) at the Harborough Leisure Centre. This group is for unpaid carers, looking after a loved one to come and have some ‘time out’ from their caring role, to enjoy meeting other carers. Sometimes a guest speaker will attend to share useful information. Refreshments are provided free of charge. To attend, if you are not already registered with Support for Carers, please call Elaine or the team on 01858 468548
Age UK Luncheon Club
Please call Antony Massey on 0116 2992273 for details of the club in Market Harborough
Age UK Memory Cafes
Age UK runs a number of Memory Cafes throughout Leicestershire and Rutland, the most local to us being Market Harborough. This is held at Market Harborough Methodist Church Northampton Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9HE 10am - 11.30am on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Places must be booked in advance by contacting 0116 223 7363 or dementia.support@ageukleics.org.uk
Market Harborough Welcome Club
A social group for retired over 60's. They hold meetings from 2.00 - 4.00pm every Thursday at the Octagonal Room, Catholic Church, Fairfield Road, Market Harborough. They run whist, bingo, raffles and enjoy tea and cake. They also organise outings every couple of months. New members are most welcome. For more information contact 01858 467681 or raglan12@btinternet.com.
Carer’s Support Fund
This fund is operated by Leicestershire Adult Social Care. Carers can apply for a maximum of £250 per financial year to enable them to have time off from caring or to support them in their caring role.
To see if you are eligible and find out more please read their leaflet.
If you are known to Social Services you can apply directly to them, otherwise please contact Support For Carers who can assist you with your application - telephone: 0845 689 9510
Guide to Benefits
This guide covers to main UK benefits which you might be entitled to claim. For more information please follow this link.
Council Tax concessions
Our understanding is that someone with dementia living on their own can claim full council tax disregard whilst someone living with another adult with dementia can claim 25% discount. This is NOT means tested though you do need to meet certain criteria and have the diagnosis confirmed by a GP or consultant. Proof of receipt of Attendance Allowance or other disablement benefits may be required.
See Harborough District Council's webpage for Council Tax Discounts and look at the heading Single Occupancy Discount Claim, and then follow the link entitled 'Severely Mentally Impaired People' for the claim form.
Department of Work and Pensions
For information on benefits payable to people with a disability please click here.
Leicestershire County Council - 4 Ways to Warmth
To make sure your home is as energy efficient as it can be, at that you are buying your energy in the cheapest way read this leaflet.
First Contact Plus
First Contact Plus is an online tool which helps adults in Leicestershire find information about a range of services all in one place. This initiative allows residents who require help, advice and support on issues such as housing, health, living independently, money advice, work, security.
Papworth Trust Care and Support
Papworth Trust is a leading disability charity which supports over 20,000 people each year through a wide range of services. Papworth Trust Care and Support can provide personal care, washing, dressing and undressing, taking medication, overnight care or sitting, and companionship. Around your home they can help with preparing meals and drinks, cleaning and tidying, washing and ironing, shopping, gardening, odd jobs and errands.
More detailed information about these and other services can be found on Papworth Trust's website.
Royal British Legion
If you've served in the Forces, or are the dependant of someone who has served, their services are available to help you. For more information see their website.