Dementia care in South Leicestershire: Your complete local guide
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If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with dementia, you may be wondering what happens next.
Finding the right dementia care in Leicestershire South for a loved one can feel overwhelming, particularly when you’re unsure what support is available or what happens next.
A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean moving into a care home. With the right combination of family support, healthcare services, community activities and personalised homecare, many people continue living at home and maintaining their routines and independence.
Across Leicestershire South, including Market Harborough, Oadby, Knighton, Leicester and the surrounding villages, there are a range of services available to support people living with dementia and the families caring for them. This guide explains what dementia is, where to find local support and how homecare could help.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a general term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the brain. It can cause changes in memory, thinking, communication and the ability to manage everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but there are several other types, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
Dementia affects everyone differently. Symptoms, progression and the level of support someone needs can vary considerably from person to person.
While there is currently no cure for dementia, an early diagnosis and appropriate support can help people understand their condition, access available services and plan for the future.
What should you do if you’re worried about memory problems?
If you’re concerned about your own memory or changes you’ve noticed in a loved one, speaking to your GP is a good place to start.
Your GP can discuss your concerns, consider other possible causes of memory problems and, where appropriate, refer you for further assessment. In Leicestershire South, this may include the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust Memory Assessment Service, where specialist clinicians can carry out further assessments.
Getting a diagnosis can help families understand what is happening and explore the support available. It can also give someone the opportunity to think about their preferences and make plans for the future.
Local dementia support in Leicestershire South
You don’t have to navigate dementia alone. Alongside healthcare services, there are local charities, community groups and support organisations that can provide information, activities, companionship and practical advice.
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Dementia Harborough
Dementia Harborough supports people living with dementia and their families across Market Harborough and the surrounding villages.
Its activities and services include:
- Dementia Café
- Singing for Memories
- Community outings
- Information and signposting
- Opportunities to meet other local families
For people living with dementia and their families, local groups can provide an opportunity to meet others, enjoy activities and maintain social connections.
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Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland provides support and information for older people and their families across the county. Its dementia services include one-to-one support, information, guidance and activities for people living with dementia and family carers.
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Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society provides information and advice for people affected by dementia, including its Dementia Support Line and local services.
Its advisers can help families understand dementia, explore available support, consider benefits and think about planning for the future.
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Memory cafés and community groups
Memory cafés and dementia-friendly activities can provide a relaxed environment where people living with dementia and their families can meet others, enjoy activities and maintain social connections.
Across Leicestershire South and the surrounding area, families may find:
- Harborough Memory Café
- Wigston Memory Café
- Community dementia groups in Leicester
- Singing and reminiscence sessions
- Dementia-friendly activities organised by local charities
It’s worth checking directly with each organisation for current opening times, locations and availability.
Can someone with dementia stay at home?
In many cases, yes.
A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean that someone needs residential care. With the right support, some people continue living at home for many years.
Remaining in familiar surroundings can help someone:
- Maintain established routines.
- Stay close to family, friends and neighbours.
- Continue enjoying familiar hobbies and activities.
- Remain connected to their local community.
- Receive support in an environment they know and feel comfortable in.
Every person’s circumstances are different, and the level of support someone needs may change over time. The important thing is finding an approach that works for the individual and their family.
How GoodOaks Homecare Leicestershire South can help
At GoodOaks Homecare Leicestershire South, we provide personalised homecare for people across Market Harborough, Oadby, Knighton, Leicester and surrounding communities.
We understand that dementia is different for everyone. That’s why our approach starts with the individual, their routines, preferences and the things that matter to them.
Depending on someone’s needs, a Care Professional can provide support with:
- Personal care
- Meal preparation
- Medication prompts
- Companionship
- Everyday routines
- Attending appointments and getting out into the community
- Hobbies and activities
- Respite for family carers
- Dementia care
- Live-in care where a higher level of ongoing support is needed
The aim isn’t to take over someone’s life. It’s to provide the right level of support while helping them continue doing as much as possible for themselves.
Getting dementia care support early
One common concern for families is that they should wait until things become difficult before considering homecare. In reality, introducing support earlier can give everyone time to adjust and build a positive relationship with a Care Professional.
It can also provide reassurance for family members, particularly when they can’t be there every day.
Support doesn’t have to start with a large package of care. Depending on someone’s needs, it could begin with a few visits each week and change over time as circumstances develop.
Looking after family carers
Dementia affects the whole family, not just the person who has received the diagnosis.
Caring for someone you love can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Family carers may need to balance caring responsibilities with work, children, relationships and their own wellbeing.
It’s important that family carers have support too.
Depending on their circumstances, carers in Leicestershire South may be able to access:
- Carer support groups
- Education and information sessions
- Emotional support
- A Carer’s Assessment through Leicestershire County Council
- Advice about benefits and future planning
- Respite care
Taking a break isn’t selfish. Having time to rest, attend an appointment, see friends or simply recharge can make it easier to continue supporting someone you love.
You’re not alone
A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, particularly when you’re unsure what support is available or what to do next. But you don’t have to work everything out at once.
Across Leicestershire South, there are NHS services, charities, community groups and homecare providers that can support people living with dementia and the families around them.
Whether you’re looking for information after a new diagnosis, a local memory café, companionship or personalised dementia care at home, taking the first step can help you understand your options.
If you’d like to talk about how GoodOaks Homecare Leicestershire South could support you or someone you love, our friendly local team is here to have a no-obligation conversation.
Frequently asked questions about dementia care
1. Can someone with dementia live at home?
Yes. Many people living with dementia continue to live at home, particularly when they have the right combination of family support, community services and professional homecare.
2. Does a dementia diagnosis mean someone has to move into a care home?
No. A dementia diagnosis alone does not mean that residential care is necessary. Depending on their needs and circumstances, someone may be able to remain at home with family support, visiting care or live-in care.
3. What dementia support is available in Leicestershire South?
Support may be available through your GP, the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust Memory Assessment Service, Dementia Harborough, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, Alzheimer’s Society, local memory cafés and professional homecare providers such as GoodOaks Homecare Leicestershire South.
4. What’s the difference between visiting care and live-in care?
Visiting care involves scheduled visits from a Care Professional who provides support with agreed aspects of everyday life. Live-in care involves a Care Professional living in the person’s home and providing a higher level of ongoing support, subject to the person’s needs and circumstances.
5. When should we start looking at dementia care?
There’s no single right time to consider homecare. Some families choose to introduce support soon after diagnosis, while others seek help when everyday tasks or caring responsibilities become more challenging.
Starting the conversation early can give families time to understand their options, find the right type of support and build a relationship with a Care Professional before things become more difficult.
