Dementia

Information about dementia and memory loss and what help and support is available in the Epping Forest district.

Dementia Friendly Groups & Support in Epping Forest

Individuals and organisations committed to improving the health and social care outcomes for those affected by dementia.

What is dementia?

Dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language.

NHS

You can find information on the NHS website:

Alzheimer’s Society

You can also find information and support on the Alzheimer’s Society website:

NHS Health Check

The NHS Health Check is a check-up for adults aged 40 to 74. It can help spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.

Dementia Intensive Support Team

The Dementia Intensive Support Team (DIST) provides intensive support to patients with dementia of any age and older people with mental health diagnosis to prevent hospital admissions to both acute and psychiatric hospitals.

The multi-disciplinary team work closely with community nursing colleagues and Essex County Council teams to support patients suffering a mental health crisis to remain in their place of residence by providing timely assessment, diagnosis and treatment for up to 6 weeks. This service is available from 9am to 8pm, every day of the year.

To be referred for this service, please speak to your GP.

Epping Forest Dementia Friendly Community Group

Epping Forest’s Dementia Friendly Community (EFDFC) group is a mix of organisations, groups and individuals that are committed to creating awareness and understanding of dementia as well as the support available, so that people with dementia are aware of their choices and can continue to live the way they want within the district.

The group is forever evolving and open to anyone in the community including those with lived experience to be part of our social action movement.

The main aims of the group are:

  • To meet the needs of those living with a dementia and their carers, companions and families within Epping Forest district knowing they can live their lives with access to the services and support they need to fully participate in community life
  • To promote and sign-up individuals and organisations across the district to become a Dementia Friend
  • Encourage the good work already taking place in the district and ensure those who are interested in developing their contribution towards a dementia friendly community are supported
  • Shape what we do, highlighting the topics that are important to people living with dementia
  • Create and support local events and activities for those living with dementia and their carers and companions
  • Share useful information relating to dementia support, activities, training and events for each partner to share within their own networks
  • Develop an intergenerational focus within the district linking care homes, schools, businesses, services and community members
  • Campaign on the major issues in health and social care relating to people with dementia and their carers and companions

Meetings take place every 6 to 8 weeks. The group alternate having the meetings in person and virtually on Microsoft Teams.

Email Vanessa Gayton for more information.

Become a Dementia Friend

Dementia Friends is the biggest ever initiative to transform how the nation thinks, acts and talks about dementia.

Becoming a Dementia Friend simply means finding out more about how dementia affects a person and then, armed with this understanding, doing small everyday things that help. For example, being patient in a shop queue, or spending time with someone you know who’s living with dementia.

To find out more about how to become a Dementia Friend visit the Dementia Friends website.

More information