Helpful general information
General information about memory problems and dementia
There are many online resources providing information about memory problems and dementia. The Alzheimer’s society website has a wide range of information and publications and is a reliable resource. The Alzheimer’s society homepage is at: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.
A wide range of online publications produced by the Alzheimer’s society can be found at: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents.php?categoryID=200465
Another helpful website for information about dementia is https://www.dementiauk.org/
The Dementia Engagement & Empowerment Project (DEEP) brings together groups of people with dementia from across the UK. DEEP supports these groups to try to change services and policies that affect the lives of people with dementia. More information can be found at http://dementiavoices.org.uk.
“Books on prescription” is an online service that can help you to find and borrow helpful reading material from your local library: http://reading-well.org.uk/books/books-on-prescription/dementia
Information for younger people with memory problems or dementia
People with young onset dementia (dementia starting before or during their mid-60s) can face a different set of challenges than people who are affected by dementia later in life. https://www.youngdementiauk.org/ may be a helpful website for younger people living with dementia and their families.
The Dementia Engagement & Empowerment Project (DEEP)
http://dementiavoices.org.uk/ also advocates on behalf of younger people living with dementia.
Driving with memory problems and dementia
Having memory difficulties or even dementia does not automatically mean that a person needs to stop driving. In fact, many people with dementia continue to drive safely. For some people, however, their difficulties with memory and thinking mean that driving has become unsafe.
The Alzhiemer’s society provide helpful information about driving with memory problems and dementia which can be found here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=144.
Information about services for older people and their families in Havering:
- Tapestry is a voluntary organisation in Havering that is committed to supporting adults in leading a positive and fulfilling life. As part of this role, Tapestry runs a Dementia Advisory Service to provide advice and support for people with dementia and their families and caregivers. They also run a range of groups and social activities. Their home page is at www.tapestry-uk.org
- Alzheimer’s Society Havering offer support, advice and activities for people with dementia and their families in Havering: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=13540
- London Borough of Havering services for adults and older people (adult care and support, equipment and home adaptations, blue badge applications): https://www.havering.gov.uk/Pages/Category/Adults-and-older-people.aspx
- Carers Trust is a local charity serving carers in the Epping Forest, Harlow, Havering and Redbridge areas as part of the Carers Trust national network, a charity for, with and about carers. https://www.carerstrustcrossroadsehhr.org/about-us/mission-aims-and-values/
Equipment
There has been a huge increase in the availability and range of equipment and assistive technology designed to support people living with dementia and memory difficulties.
- Havering Telecare provide equipment to help to keep people safe at home, including personal alarms, medication reminders, falls detectors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, bogus caller buttons and others: https://www.havering.gov.uk/Pages/ServiceChild/Telecare-equipment.aspx
- The Disabled Living Foundation provide information about equipment to support independence in day to day activities – http://www.dlf.org.uk/
There are also websites and shops offering specialist equipment for people with dementia (for example https://www.unforgettable.org/). Before buying anything, it is worth asking a healthcare professional or someone with experience in working with people with dementia whether or not they think it is likely to be helpful. It is also worth making sure that it is not something that might be provided or subsidised for you by health or social services.
Activities for adults in Havering
There are a huge amount of activities in Havering for adults of any age, young or old, with our without memory difficulties. If you are interested in activities for adults in havering, these websites may be a helpful starting point:
- Tapestry: www.tapestry-uk.org/
- Activities supported by the London Borough of Havering:(https://www.havering.gov.uk/Pages/Category/Getting-around-and-keeping-active.aspx?l1=100010).
- Free swimming, badminton and squash for over 50s: https://www.havering.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Free-swimming.aspx
- Fairkytes Art Centre: https://www.havering.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Fairkytes-Arts-Centre.aspxThe University of the third age is an organisation that supports learning in middle and late life – no qualifications are needed. http://u3asites.org.uk/havering/welcome
Apps which may be of interest to people with memory problems or dementia and their families.
My Brain Book http://mybrainbook.com/login
MyBrainBook puts people with dementia at the centre of decisions about their care. It is a personalized online tool delivering facilitated support to people with dementia, their carers and family.
- Talking Point https://itunes.apple.com/app/alzheimers-societys-talking/id651419467?mt=8
The Talking Point app from the Alzheimer’s Society is a free app that provides instant access to their discussion forum so someone living with dementia or their carer can seek advice about anything, share information, learn from others experiences and join in the discussion. - A walk Through Dementia http://awalkthroughdementia.org/
A Walk Through Dementia is a unique Android-exclusive Google Cardboard app designed to put you in the shoes of someone living with dementia. - Dementia citizens http://dementiacitizens.org/
Dementia Citizens is a new project to help people with dementia and those who care for them, using apps on smartphones and tablets. - Memory Apps for Dementia http://memoryappsfordementia.org.uk/sample-page/
Memory Apps for Dementia is a partnership set up to identify how touchscreen technology can benefit individuals with memory difficulties. The website provides links to apps for tablets that focus mainly on creativity.
Lasting power of attorney and becoming a deputy for a person with dementia
- Alzheimer' Society information about lasting power of attorney
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/info/20032/legal_and_financial/130/lasting_power_of_attorney/ - Alzheimer’s Society information about applying to the Court of Protection to become a deputy for a person with dementia
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/info/20032/legal_and_financial/71/becoming_a_deputy_for_a_person_with_dementia/