Important Resources and Contacts for Dementia Care

Navigating dementia care can feel overwhelming — particularly when you are also dealing with the emotional impact of watching a loved one’s condition change. Knowing where to turn for reliable information, practical support, and compassionate guidance can make an enormous difference.

We have compiled this comprehensive resource guide to help families in Harlow, Epping Forest and beyond access the support they need — from national charities and NHS services to local community organisations and legal guidance.

You do not have to figure this out alone. A wealth of support is available — and we have made it easy to find.

National Dementia Charities and Helplines

Alzheimer’s Society

The UK’s leading dementia charity, providing information, support, and advocacy for people living with dementia and their carers.

• Dementia Connect Support Line: 0333 150 3456 (available 9am–11pm weekdays, 9am–5pm weekends)
• Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
• Services: Information, local support groups, online communities, Dementia Friends programme
• Useful tool: Dementia Directory — find local services and support in your area

Dementia UK — Admiral Nurse Service

Dementia UK provides Admiral Nurses — specialist dementia nurses who support families through every stage of the dementia journey.

• Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline: 0800 888 6678 (Monday–Friday 9am–9pm, Saturday–Sunday 9am–5pm)
• Website: www.dementiauk.org
• Services: One-to-one specialist nursing support, family counselling, carer advice
• Note: This is a free, confidential service for anyone affected by dementia

Dementia Support Line — Alzheimer’s Research UK

Alzheimer’s Research UK funds vital scientific research into dementia and provides accessible, evidence-based information.

• Website: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
• Useful resources: Dementia risk reduction guidance, research updates, information on different dementia types

Age UK

Age UK provides a wide range of services and information for older people and their families, including advice on dementia care.

• National Helpline: 0800 678 1602 (available 8am–7pm, 365 days a year — free)
• Website: www.ageuk.org.uk
• Local: Age UK Hertfordshire — www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire
• Services: Benefits advice, home help, companionship, befriending, care navigation

NHS Dementia Services and Pathways

Your GP — The First Point of Contact

If you are concerned that a family member may be experiencing symptoms of dementia, your first step should always be to speak to their GP. Your GP can:

• Carry out an initial memory assessment
• Refer to a local memory clinic or specialist
• Rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms (such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems)
• Coordinate care and support for both the person with dementia and the family carer

Memory Clinics

Memory clinics are specialist NHS services for the assessment and diagnosis of dementia. In the Harlow and Epping Forest area, referrals are made through your GP.

• West Essex Memory Service: Contact your GP for a referral
• Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust: www.pah.nhs.uk
• Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT): www.eput.nhs.uk

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

If your loved one has complex care needs arising from dementia, they may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare — a package of care fully funded by the NHS.

• Eligibility is assessed by a clinical team based on the nature, complexity and intensity of care needs
• Contact your GP or care coordinator to request an assessment
• More information: www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/nhs-continuing-healthcare

NHS 111

For urgent (but non-emergency) health advice, call NHS 111 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Call: 111
• Online: www.111.nhs.uk

Support for Family Carers

Carers UK

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers, providing information, advice and a powerful voice for the millions of people who care for a family member or friend.

• Helpline: 0808 808 7777 (Monday–Friday 9am–6pm — free)
• Website: www.carersuk.org
• Services: Benefits advice, practical guidance, online community, local carer groups
• Useful tool: Carers UK Benefits Calculator — check what financial support you may be entitled to

Essex Carers’ Support

A local service providing support to unpaid carers across Essex, including Harlow and Epping Forest.

• Website: www.essexcarers.co.uk
• Services: Carer assessments, respite support, information and advice, wellbeing activities
• Telephone: Contact via website for local area numbers

Carer’s Assessment

As a family carer, you have a legal right to a Carer’s Assessment from your local council. This assessment considers your own needs and wellbeing, and may result in additional support being provided.

• Contact Essex County Council to request a Carer’s Assessment
• Essex County Council Adult Social Care: 0345 603 7630
• Website: www.essex.gov.uk/adult-social-care

A Carer’s Assessment is free and can unlock access to financial support, respite care, and practical services. If you care for someone with dementia, we strongly encourage you to request one.

Legal and Financial Support

Power of Attorney

Establishing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) while your loved one still has mental capacity is one of the most important steps you can take. An LPA allows you to make decisions on their behalf regarding:

• Property and financial affairs

• Health and welfare decisions

• Office of the Public Guardian: www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney

• Telephone: 0300 456 0300

• Cost: There is a registration fee, but those on low incomes may be exempt

Benefits and Financial Support

People living with dementia and their carers may be entitled to a range of benefits and financial support, including:

• Attendance Allowance (for those over 65 who need help with personal care)

• Personal Independence Payment — PIP (for those under 65)

• Carer’s Allowance (for family members providing substantial care)

• Council Tax Reduction

• NHS Low Income Scheme (for help with health costs)

• Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk | 0800 144 8848

• Turn2Us Benefits Calculator: www.turn2us.org.uk

Wills and Advance Decisions

It is important for the person with dementia to make their wishes known while they have capacity to do so. This includes:

• Making or updating a Will
• Creating an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) — sometimes called a Living Will
• Completing an Advance Statement of wishes and preferences
• Registering Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) wishes with their GP if appropriate

Local Resources — Harlow & Epping Forest

Caremark Harlow & Epping Forest

As specialist dementia home care providers in Harlow and Epping Forest, we are always here to help families navigate their care options.

• Telephone: 01279 210123
• Website: https://homecare-harlow-and-epping-forest.co.uk/
• Services: Dementia care, personal care, companionship, respite care, disability care, home care

Princess Alexandra Hospital — Harlow

The main NHS hospital serving the Harlow and Epping Forest area.

• Address: Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX
• Telephone: 01279 444455
• Website: www.pah.nhs.uk

Harlow Council — Adult Social Care

Harlow Council can provide information on local care services, financial assessments and support for vulnerable adults.

• Telephone: 01279 446655
• Website: www.harlow.gov.uk

Epping Forest District Council

For residents in the Epping Forest area, the district council can provide information on local support services.

• Telephone: 01992 564000
• Website: www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Local Dementia Support Groups

Connecting with others who understand the experience of dementia is invaluable. Local support groups provide a safe space to share, learn and be supported.

• Alzheimer’s Society Harlow: Contact 0333 150 3456 for local group information
• Age UK Hertfordshire: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire
• Ask your GP or local library for details of community dementia cafes in your area

Useful Online Resources and Apps

• Alzheimer’s Society — Dementia Guide: www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia
• NHS — Dementia Information: www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia
• Dementia UK — Factsheets: www.dementiauk.org/information-support
• Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE): www.scie.org.uk/dementia
• Dementia Talking Point (online community): www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-talking-point
• NICE Guidelines on Dementia: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng97

Tip: Bookmark this page and share it with other family members involved in your loved one’s care — having a central reference point saves valuable time when support is needed urgently.

How Caremark Harlow & Epping Forest Can Help

At Caremark Harlow & Epping Forest, we are more than just a care provider — we are a trusted partner for families navigating the dementia journey. We can help you understand your options, connect you with local resources, and provide specialist dementia care that enables your loved one to live safely and with dignity at home.

Whether you are at the beginning of this journey or looking for additional support, we are always here to listen and to help.

Call us today for a free, no-obligation conversation about how we can support your family, or get in touch online.

📞 01279 210123 🌐 homecare-harlow-and-epping-forest.co.uk

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