Living with dementia
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What is dementia
Dementia describes a group of symptoms associated with a progressive decline of brain functions, such as memory, understanding, judgement, language and thinking. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. People with dementia are at an increased risk of physical health problems and become increasingly dependent on health and social care services and on other people.
In Cheshire East there are estimated to be 5,730 people over the age of 65 living with dementia.
- 65% are likely to be women
- one in five people over 80 has a form of dementia
- one in 20 people over 65 has a form of dementia
18% of Cheshire East’s population is over the age of 65. We have the highest percentage in England compared to 16% nationally.
The impact of dementia on the individual and their family can be substantial and distressing. The Council intends to lead the way in engaging with and providing support to people with dementia and their families and carers as early as possible, and to complement and strengthen existing services in Cheshire East.
Homeowners with Dementia
You may be eligible for a Council Tax reduction if a property is left empty by a person detained under the Mental Health Act.
Help from your doctor
If you are worried that your memory or that of someone you know is getting noticeably worse, or if memory loss is beginning to affect everyday life, it is worth seeking advice. Memory problems can sometimes be an early sign of dementia.
The first step should be to visit your GP who will listen to your concerns and rule out any other causes of your memory loss. There are many reasons for memory loss other than dementia. It is best to seek help as early as possible as there may be support or treatment available that can help you. Your GP may refer you to a local memory clinic where a formal diagnosis can be made.
If you do receive a diagnosis of early dementia you will be offered a referral to the Dementia Reablement Service who will be able to help and support you and your family or carer to live well with the condition.
Memory assessment and dementia services
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) provide a range of services to people with memory problems and their carers, from assessment to support and treatment of people with diagnosed dementia. Memory assessment services and clinics will help determine the cause of someone’s problems and also decide if medication would help delay the illness.
If your GP is concerned that you may have dementia they will refer you to the memory assessment and dementia services to have a specialist assessment. CWP provide more information on memory services and the assessment process in the memory assessment leaflet. For residents of Cheshire East, the memory services are provided at various centres across Cheshire East, and your GP will advise you of your nearest centre.
Dementia contacts
Cheshire East Place Dementia Plan
The Cheshire East Place Dementia plan has been developed by Cheshire East Council in partnership with Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), local providers and service users and their carers. The plan aims to consider local support needs in relation to dementia and review current service provision to identify and promote good practice and to address any gaps or areas for improvement. Our aim is to ensure we have the right services, in the right place, for the right people at the right time. The new plan builds on the implementation of our first Joint dementia commissioning work plan (PDF, 1.2MB) and on the 5 themes of “The Well Pathway for Dementia” (NHS England, 2016).
The focus of our plan is to move towards the delivery of more personalised and integrated care and support for those affected by dementia. This involves; improving dementia awareness across all parts of society, early diagnosis, providing good information and advice when it is needed so that people can be involved in their care planning, and improving care pathways and communication so that all services work together to ensure people access the services they need at the right time.
Our vision
Our vision is to make a real and positive difference to the lives of people affected by dementia, living in and visiting Cheshire East. We want to ensure that people living with dementia and their carers, receive high quality, compassionate and timely care whether they are at home, in hospital or in a care home.
Dementia Friends
Cheshire East Council is committed to raising awareness of dementia not only in its communities, but also with its staff.
Some staff members have completed Dementia Ambassador’s training with The Alzheimer’s Society, which means they can deliver Dementia Friends Awareness Sessions.
As of 31 August 2023, there are a total of 14,634 individuals who have attended an Awareness Session and are now ‘Dementia Friends’, within the Borough of Cheshire East.
Page last reviewed: 22 February 2024