Living with dementia - the benefits of staying at home
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Supporting people with dementia and their families is a vital part of building a compassionate and inclusive community. In Waltham Forest, Redbridge, and Loughton, several organisations and initiatives provide activities that promote mental stimulation, social engagement, and overall well-being.
1. Intensive Dementia Outreach Service (Waltham Forest)
The Intensive Dementia Outreach Service provides both group sessions and home-visiting services to help people with dementia stay active and connected:
- Group sessions at Leyton Dementia Hub or in Chingford include gardening, interactive magic table games, gentle exercise, quizzes, and music-based activities.
- Home visits provide tailored support, such as arts and crafts or music playlist creation, based on individual interests and strengths.
- The service also provides guidance and referrals for additional care, visit their website for more information: walthamforest.gov.uk
2. Alzheimer’s Society Waltham Forest
The Alzheimer’s Society provides dedicated support for people with dementia, their families, and carers. Their services include:
- Support groups and activities tailored for individuals at different stages of dementia.
- Health and wellbeing services to assist carers in managing their responsibilities.
- Education and training programs to help families and carers understand dementia and provide better care​. Visit their website: walthamforest.gov.uk
3. Sunflower group at Grange Farm Centre, Chigwell – This community group provides weekly social activities, including sensory walks, seated exercises, art, photography, and indoor games. These activities support individuals with dementia and offer respite for carers. They meet every Friday from 10:00–12:00 at Grange Farm Centre, Chigwell (IG7 6DB)​
- Dementia-friendly walks in Epping Forest – The Sunflower Group also organises outdoor activities, including guided sensory walks in local nature reserves and Epping Forest. These walks provide a relaxing and stimulating environment for those living with dementia​. Visit their website: sunflowergroup.uk
- Keeping Active Groups in Epping – Run by Action for Family Carers, these sessions include seated exercise, indoor bowling, music, and dance to encourage physical activity and social interaction. The Epping group meets every Thursday from 10:00–12:30 at Jack Silley Pavilion (CM16 6SS)​. You can find out more by visiting the Age Space website: agespace.org
Why community activities matter
Engaging in community-based activities offers numerous benefits for people living with dementia, including:
- Reducing social isolation and loneliness.
- Providing gentle physical exercise and cognitive stimulation.
- Helping individuals maintain hobbies or develop new skills.
- Improving mood and overall well-being by fostering social connections​.
How to get Involved
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, you can contact the above organisations or by visiting Dementia UK or Alzheimer’s Society for a list of support services.
- Â Â Dementia UK
-   Alzheimer’s Society
By participating in these activities, people living with dementia and their families can experience meaningful support and a sense of belonging within their community.
For more information about our specialist dementia care services and how we can support your loved ones at home, contact us here.
