Dementia support
What is dementia?
The word 'dementia' covers a range of diseases or disorders affecting the brain. It comes in different forms, the most common being Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
Symptoms include:
- loss of memory,
- confusion,
- and changes in personality, mood, and behaviour.
Getting a diagnosis
Kensington and Chelsea Council has a Memory Service which provides assessments and diagnosis of dementia and has an ongoing support and information to people with memory problems as well as their carers. You will need a referral from your GP to use this service.
Visit the Kensington and Chelsea Memory Service website for contact information.
Getting help and support
A Dementia Advisor provides 1-to-1 support on living with or caring for someone with dementia if you have been recently diagnosed with dementia.
Age UK Kensington and Chelsea Dementia Support Services Team offer 1-to-1 person centred support with weekly visits to people with dementia to support them to pursue their interests, maintain independence and retain social contacts.
Visit the Age UK website to view contact details for 1-to-1 support.
If you or someone else need care and support, contact Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Adult Social Care Department. You can request a Needs Assessment which will determine the best way the council can support you:
- Telephone: 020 7361 3013, out of hours: 020 7373 2227
- Email: [email protected]
People First is provided in association with Kensington and Chelsea’s Adult Social Care team. It provides information from your local community including services, events and guidance.
Visit the People First website for information and assistance.
Admiral Nurses are specialist mental health nurses supporting carers of people living with dementia. Ask your GP if you would like to be referred to an Admiral Nurse.
Carers Network provides Carers Assessments and reviews, advice and guidance on being a carer via a phone service.
Visit Carers Network for further information and support available.
Financial support
You may be eligible for Council Tax exemption under ‘Severely Mentally Impaired’ where people living with dementia are eligible. You will need to apply for the exemption via your MyRBKC Account by registering or signing in. Further information can be found on this council tax reductions and exemptions page.
Activities for people with dementia
Day Centre
For people in Kensington and Chelsea the centre offers support, therapies and activities, which can help people to regain skills, reduce confusion and encourage social interaction.
Attendance is subject to eligibility following an assessment from the Kensington and Chelsea Social Care Team.
Resonate Arts
Resonate Arts offer a monthly ‘Art at Home’ newsletter with activities, information and exercises to try at home delivered via post or email. Their creative befrienders continue to support people over the phone. Visit the Resonate Arts website for information on their newsletter and other assistance.
Dementia Plan 2020-2025
About the Dementia Plan
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council worked with over 170 residents living with dementia and their carers on all aspects of our joint Dementia Plan 2020- 2025.
We commit to improving the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. In the Dementia Plan you will find that living well with dementia is about much more than just getting the right health and social care. It’s about ensuring the whole community - transport, shopping, sports, arts and leisure, housing and more - are all dementia-aware and can support people to live well in our communities.
Our key commitments are:
- Raising awareness of dementia and ways to reduce the risk
- Providing personalised, timely and high-quality services
- Creating a community that is dementia-friendly
- Giving unpaid carers good support
