Feature “I like Kate coming to visit me,” says Lily. “She’s nice and we have such a laugh. It’s good to have someone keep an eye on me.”
things in perspective and reminds me what’s important in life.”
Become a befriender If you are interested in becoming a volunteer befriender, please email Age UK at the address opposite.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/dementiahelp v olunteer@ageukcamden. org.uk
*Name changed to preserve anonymity
practical help that is needed and in other cases it is emotional support. It is our job to advise and direct people, families and carers towards the support that is most helpful for them.”
Social contact Lily is a very sociable person and was missing meeting people, having previously worked as a tea lady at the British Medical Association. Her daughter got in touch with the befriending service at Age UK Camden and Lily was matched with a volunteer befriender called Kate, who now comes to visit her every week. “I like Kate coming to visit me,” says Lily. “She’s nice and we have such a laugh. It’s good to have someone keep an eye on me.” “As someone who doesn’t live around the corner,” says Lily’s daughter, Brenda, “it’s really reassuring for me to know that in between my visits there is someone else visiting Mum for a cup of tea and a chat.” Lily’s befriender, Kate, says she gains as much from the experience as Lily does. “It makes my week going to see Lily,” she says. “We’re very similar characters and we always have something to talk about. I find it helps me to put
Help for people with dementia Camden memory service 020 3317 6700 Advice and support for people who are worried about their memory. Includes an assessment and potential treatment options after an initial discussion with a GP. Great Camden Minds 020 7428 8950 A group for people with dementia, set up so they can have a say in services that affect them, reduce the stigma of dementia and get support from people in the same situation. Day centres camden.gov.uk/dementiahelp Specialist day centres which provide a range of activities for people with dementia in a stimulating and social environment. Dementia cafes 020 7561 4820 Informal and friendly places for people with dementia, family members and carers to meet regularly and talk about living
with dementia. Provides the chance to ask questions of professionals, learn from the experiences of others and get information about dementia, local services and practical tips about living well with dementia. Dementia adviser service 020 3317 6655 A central point of contact for people in the early stages of dementia and their families and carers. Provides information, advice, support, help with local services and signposting to other services. Delivered by Age UK Camden. Dementia befriending service 020 7239 0400 Works with trained volunteer befrienders who visit socially isolated older people with dementia or memory impairment. Volunteers are matched with people they are likely to have the most in common with and introduced slowly before being left to meet up independently. Delivered by Age UK Camden.
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