Dementia Services in Wimbledon and Kingston

Are you caring for someone living with dementia? In recent years there has been so much more awareness around the disease, as well as new provisions to help those in caring positions. Whether you’re new to your caring role or have been doing it for a long time, there are local services available to you that you mightn’t be aware of. So read on to find out how you can receive support as you care for your loved one.

Local Events and Services across Merton and Kingston

In Merton, we’re fortunate to have a wealth of dementia-friendly services and activities readily available. Among these is the Merton Memory Café, a vital resource for residents diagnosed with dementia, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers.

The Merton Dementia Hub, another invaluable support system, is dedicated to accompanying individuals throughout their dementia journey. Housed within a specially designed, dementia-friendly facility, the hub offers a variety of activities alongside a welcoming café and expansive sensory garden. It is operated by the Alzheimer’s Society in collaboration with Southwest London and St George’s Mental Health Trust. Its advisors are equipped to address a wide range of concerns, from accessing local resources and maintaining independence to home adaptations, benefits advice, and respite for caregivers. Additionally, they offer support for financial and legal matters and provide specialized assistance for individuals under the age of 65. The hub serves as a beacon of support and empowerment for those navigating the complexities of dementia.

Alongside these essential services, Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston offer a range of activity groups such as ‘Love to Sing’ at The Quaker Centre in Kingston, and ‘Love to Move’ at the Raynes Park Library, fostering social engagement and wellbeing within the community. For more information on these groups, please contact Suzie: [email protected].

 Help in the Home with Home Instead

If you’re looking for regular, reliable assistance in caring for a loved one, Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston is here to help. We’re a trusted brand in your area, providing top quality care for those living with dementia. This is what will happen if you contact us regarding care for a loved one:

1. Our Care Manager will arrange to visit you to conduct a needs assessment. This will involve meeting your loved one (and you) and finding out about what kind of help you need, how regularly, etc. Before the visit they can also give you information over the phone about the different services we offer. Each care call is bespoke to the customer – we only arrange the services that you require.
2. Once a care package has been put together, Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston will select a Care Professional from the team who we think is well matched to your loved one. We have a careful selection process rather than assigning the first employee with an open slot.
3. Once your loved one starts receiving care calls, we’ll keep everyone up to date with how they’re getting on and see if any adjustments can be made to better serve their needs.

Why Reach out for Dementia Support?

We know that caring for a loved one can be stressful, particularly for family members who have a long history together, and can struggle to see their family members change or deteriorate. But whatever your situation, looking at the available help can be beneficial to both you and your loved ones.

1. Family members in a caring role can often reach a point of burnout. The burden of (sometimes, suddenly) being thrown into a caring role can have a detrimental effect on your other relationships, career, and wellbeing. Reaching out for and accepting help can ease the pressure, giving you the break you need to live your own life as well. It doesn’t have to be much – just popping into a weekly dementia café can help you out, as well as providing a change of scenery for your loved one.
2. It doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a variety of services on offer to you. While paying for trained Care Professionals can be a lifesaver to many, there are other options available to you.
3. Finding support for you, as a carer, will enable you to provide better care for your loved one. We know that many family carers feel guilt at being unable to do everything themselves, but reaching out can help you find the balance that brings the best quality of life to everyone involved – yourself included.

Do you have further questions about dementia services in the area? At Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston, we’ve made a promise to ‘Think Dementia’ and provide the best care possible. Contact us to find out how we can help as you navigate caring for your loved one.