Help for people with dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia is not a single illness, but a group of symptoms which include gradual loss of memory, confusion, problems with thinking, speaking and carrying out simple daily tasks.

Dementia usually affects older people and becomes more common with age, although it can develop in younger people. Most people who develop dementia are over the age of 60, but it's important to remember that it is not a normal part of growing old and that most older people never develop dementia.

There are over 100 types of dementia. The most common are Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. For more information about the types of dementia, their symptoms and treatment, click on the link below.

NHS Choices - dementia

Enfield Council and NHS have developed a joint local strategy setting out how we plan to develop and deliver health and social care services to better meet the needs of people with dementia and their carers over the next 5 years (2011-16). Click on the link below to view the strategy.

Joint Dementia strategy

What help is available?

General information about mental health services available on the mental health trust's website, and for some mental health services, you can refer yourself. However, if you feel you or someone close to you may have dementia, it is always preferable to have a consultation with your GP who will check your physical health as a first step.

Go to the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust website

Your GP can refer you to the Older People's Mental Health Service. You will be offered an initial assessment in which those people closest to you (whether family, partners or close friends) will be involved. Further tests and assessments may be suggested. If a diagnosis of dementia is made, advice and information will be given to you and your family about the support and treatment that may benefit you and them.

Sometimes people with dementia may need specialist assessment and support at different stages of their illness. This is available from specialist psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers via the community mental health teams, memory treatment service, day and outpatient treatment and inpatient units.

Your GP will always be able to help you make contact with the appropriate mental health professional. The Older People's Mental Health Service works closely with Enfield Council's Adult Social Care teams.

Adult Social Care provides information and support to people in Enfield over the age of 55 with a diagnosis of dementia. There is a variety of services that they can provide. For an assessment of your needs, contact them using the details below.

Who can get help?

People with a confirmed medical diagnosis of dementia, or their carers, who need help and support to maintain their independence and quality of life. However, in order to work out just how much help is needed to make life easier for you, we do need to carry out an assessment.

What is an assessment?

After the assessment we will identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them. If you don't qualify for a service from Adult Social Care you could arrange to employ a care worker privately through a private home care agency, but remember to take care to choose one that is registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Follow the link below for more information.

List of home care agencies

How much does it cost?

There may be some cost but the actual amount you pay will depend on what services you receive and whether you qualify for financial help.

Can I help with the cost?

It is possible. We will visit you to complete a financial assessment to work out how much you will need to contribute towards the cost.

What is a financial assessment?

How to get in touch

Adult Social Care
Phone: 020 8379 1001
Email: adultsocialcare@enfield.gov.uk
Textphone: 020 8379 6962
Fax: 020 8379 2810