19 Sep Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services Available in Kirklees
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed every year on the September 21, with the objective of raising awareness and to challenge the stigma around Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.
The day serves as an opportunity for various societies and organisations to come together in support of those affected with Alzheimer’s and raise awareness of services to support people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Below is a list of services available within Kirklees who are here to provide guidance, support or community.
Dementia Friends
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative is all about increasing people’s understanding of dementia and inspiring everyone to make a difference for people affected by the condition in their communities.
A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns more about dementia, how it can affect someone and the small ways they can make a difference in their communities. Many people living with dementia often feel isolated and left out because dementia is still so misunderstood.
Whether you attend a face-to-face or virtual Dementia Friends Session or watch our short online video, Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help.
Once you’re equipped with understanding, what you do as a Dementia Friend doesn’t have to be time consuming. Simple things like showing patience and understanding can mean the world. Visiting someone you know living with the condition or someone who’s caring for a loved one can too.
Dementia Friends also show their support by taking part in fundraising, volunteering and campaigning for Alzheimer’s Society or wearing their Dementia Friends badge to raise awareness.
To become a dementia friend, please follow the link for our Dementia Friends Training Platform. The training doesn’t take long, only 10-15 minutes.
Website: dementiafriends.org.uk/DF_WEBC_PartnerVideos?page=videos-for-organisations
Please use the code: Hud30079
Sporting Memories
Since 2019, the Huddersfield Town Foundation has partnered with Sporting Memories to use the power of sport and physical activity to bring people together to reminisce on their favourite sporting moments.
The sessions support a wide range of people aged over 50, including those living with dementia, living with depression or facing isolation and loneliness. The aim of the sessions is to help increase connectivity of older people and improve mental health.
Our staff are trained Dementia Friends and understand the basic principles of supporting those living with dementia. We create a dementia friendly, calm and inclusive environment where there is no pressure to participate.
The sessions are free to attend and may include quizzes, memorabilia, guest speakers, or could be themed on what’s going on in the sporting landscape at the time.
The sessions are:
Monday 10:00 – 11:00 Online
Monday 13:30 – 14:30 Holmfirth Library
If you are interested in attending our sessions, contact us on help@htafcfoundation.com
Kirklees Dementia Hub
The Kirklees Dementia Hub is a partnership between Community Links and Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees and offers information, advice and support for people who are living with dementia and their carers, family and friends.
The aim of the hub is to ensure people within the Kirklees community have access to a wide range of dementia information and advice. Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees run Dementia Friends sessions within the local community.
The Kirklees Dementia Hub run the Kirklees Dementia Friendly Community Steering Group, an open-to-all community to support each other in creating change and improvements for those living with dementia in Kirklees.
The Hub also delivers DEEP, a monthly meeting for those diagnosed with dementia to meet others, enjoy activities and prove a safe space to be heard and create change in Kirklees.
You can contact Kirklees Dementia Hub through the following ways:
Email: kdh@commlinks.co.uk
Telephone: 01484 503 908
They also run an Information and Advice Line: 01484 503 908 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
To join the Steering Group please contact: 01484 411 074
If you are living with dementia and want to join Deep, please contact: 01484 411 074
Kirklees Memory Service
Kirklees memory service accepts referrals for those individuals aged 65 and over who are experiencing difficulties with memory/cognitive functioning. The service has a specialist team for those under 65 years of age called the Crowlees early onset dementia team. The memory service is a commissioned service that covers the whole of the Kirklees geographical area and has an agreed memory pathway.
The team specialises in assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment to help with memory problems. For those diagnosed with dementia, the memory service provides access to the full range of diagnostic and post-diagnostic therapeutic services to support living well with dementia.
The team includes consultant psychiatrists, a clinical psychologist, advanced nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and occupational therapists. The memory service works closely with other teams such as the community mental health team, GPs, social services, physiotherapists, admiral nurses and also voluntary sector services, such as Kirklees Dementia Hub.
Telephone: 01484 343128
Knowl Park House – Day opportunities for adults with dementia
Knowl Park House is a service for people who have been assessed as eligible for care living with dementia in Kirklees. They operate on a referral only basis through the Community Health and Social Care Hub.
Knowl Park House is a safe, informal, friendly environment for people to meet others and take part in activities that help maintain their life skills, stimulate their minds and bodies and have fun.
The service gives carers or families a much-needed break and some time to themselves. The service is designed to help people with dementia to continue to live in their own homes and remain as independent as possible.
Knowl Park House can only accept people through a referral process. Please contact the adult social care team via the Community Health and Social Care Hub in the first instance.