There are lots of support groups, cafes and dementia based activity sessions happening across Norfolk, here’s our ‘at a glance’ table of activities – Dementia Services across Norfolk
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through their Admiral Nurse service. When things get challenging or difficult for people with dementia and their families, Admiral Nurses work alongside them, giving the one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions people need. There are now a team of Admiral nurses working across Norfolk, for more information call 0800 888 6678 or visit dementiauk.org
Both Norwich and Norfolk offer general advice on all things to with later life. They run dementia activities projects and cafes across the county including dementia training and carer support sessions. If you live in Norwich call Age UK Norwich – 01603 496333 or ageuknorwich.org.uk or outside Norwich call Age UK Norfolk – 01603 787 111 or ageuknorfolk.org.uk
Aylsham Care Trust provides dementia support services, including CST sessions, an outreach support service, carers groups, training for carers, drop in groups and luncheon clubs. Visit aylshamcaretrust.co.uk
Independence Matters provides a wide range of support services tailored to the needs of the elderly, including people with dementia, and their families. It has Community Hubs in and around Norwich, for more information visit independencematters.co.uk
The council can point you to a number of private and voluntary organisations that can help people with dementia with household jobs, such as cleaning, bathing and shopping. If you are caring for someone with dementia they can make sure you are getting the right sort of help to assist you with their care. Plus they can offer Reminiscence Packs from libraries (The Reading Well scheme for dementia recommends books you might find useful if you are caring for someone with dementia, or want to find out more about the condition). Visit norfolk.gov.uk
The society has a Norfolk Office in St John Maddermarket, Norwich, can help with information and advice. It offers a Dementia Support Service, and runs a variety of monthly support groups in Norwich, as well as several Dementia Friendly Cafes, in South Norwich (Ipswich Road Community Hub), Riverside Leisure Centre, Hellesdon Library, and the City Centre (Chapelfield Methodist Centre). Plus it runs a series of Carer Information and Support Programme workshops. Visit alzheimerssociety.org
Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative and earlier this year BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Nick Conrad kicked off his ‘Dementia Challenge’ with the aim of getting 1000 people in the Norfolk area to sign up as Dementia Friends. Visit dementiafriends.org.uk
Norwich City Council has been offering Dementia Adaptations Grants (soon to be called a Safe at Home grant to help assist independent living. These grants are available for anyone living in Norwich who has been diagnosed with dementia and is still living in their own home. The scheme will provide a grant of up to £2,500 for minor adaptations designed to help the individual, and their carers, cope with the challenges of living with the condition. The council will ask for a letter from a GP or specialist confirming that dementia has been diagnosed. Visit www.norwich.gov.uk
Bowthorpe Care Village, earlier this year saw the completion of a new £18.9m care village in Bowthorpe, the culmination of an enormous project and partnership. The Care Village has been constructed on a 2.3 hectare site and consists of three main buildings, including Norse Care’s Mayflower Court: an 80-bed specialist dementia care home. Visit norsecare.co.uk
Home Instead, specialises in supporting older people to live comfortably and safely in their own homes. Services include companionship, social activities, light housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping and errands, personal care, medication reminders and more specialised dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Visit homestead.co.uk
The Herbert Protocol: pioneered by Norfolk Constabulary, it aims to help when someone goes missing: read more information about it here.
