With National Carer Week (10th-16th June) just behind us I felt it was an opportune time to talk about ways The Ness Memory Hub offers support for dementia in the local East Devon community. We opened the East Devon Memory Hub in October 2023 and in our first 6 months it has become very clear just how much we are needed! The space is the first of its kind in East Devon & a unique model across the UK.
At The Ness Memory Hub we offer local dementia care and are specialists in helping anyone who is worried about their memory, knows someone or cares for someone with memory loss or has a diagnosis of Dementia, Parkinson’s or other brain injuries. There is so little help for older adults who have mild, moderate or severe memory loss and it is incredibly important that both the individual and families engage with specialists as early as possible to successfully delay further deterioration.
The service is led by a dementia nurse specialist with decades of experience care for dementia and he leads a team that have all spent years learning and working with older adults affected by brain changes.
Many people are unaware of the wide variety of services available at The Hub, these include:
- Brain Therapy – The Hub runs cognitive stimulation therapy, cognitive rehabilitation therapy, memory strategy therapy and many other therapies all designed to maintain your mental agility and delay any memory deterioration. The sessions are run in small groups of 4 people and designed for both those with no diagnosis and concerned about their memory all the way up to those with a late diagnosis of dementia and needing specialist support for dementia.
- Family & Carer Support – The Hub helps families by offering information about brain changes & dementia at the right time in the right way. Offering advice on navigating the social care system. Finally we offer respite & act as a dementia support group during the tough years when a loved one is in the late stages of dementia. Come and talk to a specialist!
- Workshops – The Hub has launched fun, free workshops for those who are frail & isolated and worried about their mental health. These workshops are around 90 minutes on any topic from gardens, to art, to reminiscence about interesting topics. They are designed to help get people out and to stay social and happy. You do need to book in advance and you do need to be independent in arriving at The Hub.
- Dementia & Neurology Courses – The Hub dementia specialist nurse offers training days and half days for Health & Social care professionals, care professionals and families. Topics include both the pathophysiology of dementia and more in-depth look at how our brains work and ways to keep us healthy.
- Transport – For those looking for local dementia care who would like to spend a half or whole day with us we can offer transport to collect them and drop home. Our minibus is available for those who are unable to walk far and has wheelchair access. It also allows us to go on outings across Devon when the sun is shining.
The Memory Hub is here for the whole of East Devon and whether you just have a question, want to make use of our free workshops or just need a safe space for respite you are welcome at The Ness. To get in touch call our landline on 01626 774 799 or email [email protected] or access our social media.
‘With you for the journey’
happiNESS & wellNESS