Care Services for People With Dementia in Kent

Care Services for People With Dementia in Kent

It is estimated that there are over 20,000 people living with dementia in Kent and this number is only expected to rise. This has created an ever-growing need for the crucial dementia care services that are provided by the NHS and charities across Kent. This page will guide you through the different types of care services available and highlight some organisations that may be able to help you support people in your life who are affected by dementia.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services, a local charity, operate a 24-hour Kent Dementia Helpline for people with dementia or their carers, which you can contact on 0800 500 3014.

NHS Services for People with Dementia in Kent

NHS dementia services in Hertfordshire

If you are concerned about somebody’s memory, the first thing you should do is speak to their GP. They will be able to make a referral for a Memory Assessment. Having spoken to your GP, they may guide you towards other NHS services.

For an overview of how the NHS services are run in Kent, take a look at ourย Elderly Care in Kent page.ย 

Community Mental Health Services for Older People

There are specialist Community Mental Health Services for Older People (CMHSOP) services operating throughout Kent. They provide care, support and advice for people over 65 years old with dementia, as well as for their carers. The CMHSOP team will carry out an initial assessment of the patient’s needs, after which a plan will be made in collaboration with the patient and carers to determine what to do next. Most of the CMHSOP teams accept self-referrals, although we would recommend speaking to your GP before contacting them.

You can find contact details and more information about your local CMHSOP service by following the links below.

Adult Community Speech & Language Therapy

People living with dementia can sometimes face difficulty with feeding, speech and language. The Kent Community Health NHS Trust organise the Adult Community Speech and Language Therapy service who work in community clinics, hospitals, care homes and people’s private homes to assess, diagnose and help patients who have developed these types of problems. You can find out more about their services on the Adult Community SLT website.

To make a referral or find out more, use the contact details below, or fill on the self-referral form on their website.

Kent Charities Supporting People with Dementia

Admiral Nurses

Dementia memory exercise puzzle

Admiral Nurses are trained to provide specialist dementia support in care homes, hospices, hospitals and the wider community. In Kent they work closely alongside the Community Mental Health Services for Older People (CMHSOP) teams. To get a referral to Admiral Nurses you should speak to your GP or local CMHSOP team. You can also contact Admiral Nurses directly to find out more about the support they are able to provide.

Age UK

The Age UK branches in Kent all provide some degree of dementia support. This includes dementia cafรฉs, drop-in clinics, specialist dementia day care and one-to-one outreach for carers. To find your nearest Age UK Dementia support service, you can enter your postcode into the Dementia section of the Age UK Website.

Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Services

Canterbury in Kent

Alzheimers and Dementia Support Services (ADSS) are a local charity serving the community of people affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley. They aim to identify not only the immediate needs of the people they help, but also the support that will enable them to live life to its fullest in the future. ADSS understand the effect that dementia can have on carers, family and friends, so will work closely with you to see how you can be supported as well.

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer’s Society are a nationwide charity that provide information, advice and support to people living with dementia, as well as their carers. Their local dementia support ranges from social groups to advocacy, care homes to transport. You can enter your address on the Alzheimer’s Society website to find out about the services they run in your local area.

Cogs Clubs

Cogs Clubs are small, structured groups for people with mild-to-moderate dementia, centred around purposeful activities based on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). The clubs can help people to recall or develop new skills in order to improve their daily lives and routines.

The clubs were founded and designed by an Admiral Nurse from Kent who wanted to use her expertise to make a difference to people living with dementia in the county. Cogs Clubs are now run by a range of organisations in Kent, including Age Concern and Crossroads, but they are all based on the original aim to provide a day of activity, stimulation, music and fun.

Cogs Clubs also provide an important opportunity of respite for carers. Use the Cogs Clubs Address Book to find your relative’s nearest club and their contact details.

Crossroads Care Kent

Crossroads Kent’s Dementia Outreach service offers one-to-one support to families or carers who are affected by dementia. This includes advice, support and signposting to other local services.

East Kent Independent Dementia Support

East Kent Independent Dementia Support (EKIDS), based in Canterbury, organise a range of monthly support groups for people with dementia and their carers. They often have dementia care specialists and social service professionals attending the meetings in order to answer questions and refer people to other services.