Welcome to East Cheshire Hospice Dementia Services
We are proud to offer a huge variety of different services to families experiencing dementia in our local community.
If you, or someone you know is eligible (see below criteria) and would like to receive dementia support from East Cheshire Hospice, please fill out the online dementia services referral form.
You can find out more about our dementia services below. Flyers for each service are available to download at the bottom of this page. All services can be self-referred or professional referred.
Dementia Carers Wellbeing Programme
Our Dementia Carer Wellbeing Course has been running successfully since 2015 and is a structured eight-week wellbeing and support programme open to carers of people experiencing dementia. What is unique about our programme is that the carer can bring the person experiencing dementia with them to our Sunflower Centre, where our trained dementia buddy volunteers will support them whilst the carer can attend the wellbeing programme, gain peer support, education, knowledge, skills and confidence about dementia and their caring role. The course currently runs 3 times a year in January, May and September. From May 2024 courses will run in Macclesfield, Knutsford, Poynton, Wilmslow and Congleton.
Benefits of attendance to this programme include; developing resilience, enhancing current coping strategies, developing new ones, sharing experiences, having some respite and gaining peer support from others in similar circumstances.
Inclusion criteria
Carer being referred has a GP in East Cheshire.
Carer provides regular care support to the person experiencing dementia.
Access
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
Community Dementia Companions
Our Community Dementia Companion programme’s primary purpose is to offer carers some respite from their caring role by giving companionship to people in the earlier stages of dementia. Our trained community dementia volunteers (CDCs) will offer companionship and opportunities for the person experiencing dementia to maintain their interests and social activities. Visits last 2 hours and are usually once per week. Visits are planned in partnership with the person and their carer so the carer has a chance to “recharge their batteries” by doing something enjoyable for themselves.
Benefits
Improvements to wellbeing for the person living with dementia and their carer. Ensuring rest and relaxation, spending time doing things they enjoy is imperative to maintain good wellbeing for all. This service gives people the chance to achieve this.
Referral criteria
- Patient being referred has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
- Patient experiencing dementia lives with their carer.
- Carer cannot leave the patient alone any more
- Patient has a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
- Patient living with dementia is mobile and does not require hands on care support (call to discuss)
Access
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
End Stages of Dementia Talk for Carers
Aimed at family carers to learn about how to recognise if someone experiencing dementia might be in their last year of life, and if they are, where in the last year of life they could be. The session openly discusses death and dying and preparing for end-of-life care and teaches all the jargon connected with it.
Benefits
Empowers the carer to confidently discuss their loved ones end of life care needs with professionals enabling advance planning to achieve a good death for the patient.
Referral criteria
Carer or patient attending has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
Access
Held several times a year in a variety of locations.
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
Love to Move (brain gymnastics)
Love to Move is like brain gymnastics. It’s specially designed to get older people moving and functioning better. The programme achieves this by carefully integrating the use of gymnastic foundation skills, cognitive stimulation therapy and social interaction activities. Almost every part of Love to Move is based on bilaterally asymmetrical movement patterns. This is understood to benefit older people and those with dementia and mild cognitive impairment, by enabling the left side and right side of the brain to process information independently; thus, improving cognitive function, coordination, and the ability to carry out activities of daily living more independently.
Benefits
It is aimed at older people from 55 +. Love to Move particularly benefits older people to improve communication, mobility, building stamina and increasing wellbeing.
Referral criteria
- Carer or patient attending has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
- Patient has a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
- Patient and carer attend together.
- Patient does not require hands on care support (call to discuss)
Access
Held twice a month in your chosen location: Macclesfield, Knutsford, Poynton, Wilmslow or Congleton.
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
Singing for the Soul
Our singing group involves singing to music with light movement. Singing is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for individuals experiencing dementia. Research shows singing can elicit significant emotional and cognitive responses, helping to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression often associated with the condition. Various studies suggest that music, especially familiar songs from an individual’s past, can stimulate memories and enhance communication abilities, even in the later stages of dementia. For instance, participation in group singing activities fosters social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that many dementia patients experience.
Benefits
Helps to improve brain activity through the use of signing, music, movement and can enhance brain function, increase attention span, and improve overall quality of life
Referral criteria
- Carer or patient attending has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
- Patient has a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
- Patient and carer attend together.
- Patient does not require hands on care support (call to discuss)
Access
Held once a month in your chosen location: Macclesfield, Knutsford, Poynton, Wilmslow or Congleton.
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
Sunshine Social Club
Our social club involves live entertainment and refreshments. People sing if they want, they dance if they want and mix and chat with staff and peers. It is a lot of fun and a good way to boost your own wellbeing. Regular social interaction helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and can lead to meaningful friendships and connections.
Benefits
Benefits of attending the Sunshine Social Club extend beyond mere socialisation; they contribute to personal development, emotional health, and a vibrant, fulfilling life.
Referral criteria
- Carer or patient attending has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
- Patient has a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
- Patient and carer attend together.
- Patient does not require hands on care support (call to discuss)
Access
Held on the 2nd Friday once a month in Macclesfield 10.30am-12pm
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
Connecting Carers Club
This is a peer support group for carers who look after someone experiencing dementia and is facilitated by one of our Specialist Dementia Nurses. Research indicates that caregivers who engage in peer support networks experience reduced feelings of isolation and stress, as they can share their experiences and coping strategies with individuals who truly understand their challenges. This mutual exchange fosters a sense of community, providing a safe space where caregivers can voice their concerns without fear of judgment.
Benefits
The emotional relief that comes from connecting with individuals who share similar experiences and challenges can be very noticeable. Participation in peer support groups can enhance caregivers’ self-care practices. As caregivers share their struggles and successes, they often become more aware of the importance of taking time for themselves, leading to healthier coping mechanisms and a better quality of life.
Referral criteria
Carer and patient has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
Access
Held once a month on a Friday afternoon in Congleton – contact us for dates
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
Memories in Harmony Choir
Our choir offers a unique opportunity for expression, connection, and cognitive engagement. Evidence suggests that participation in such choirs can lead to significant improvements in mood, social interaction, and overall quality of life for individuals facing dementia. Through the act of singing, participants often experience increased feelings of joy and a sense of belonging, which can be especially important in combating the isolation and loneliness that frequently accompany the condition. The shared experience of music transcends verbal communication and can evoke emotional responses and memories that are otherwise inaccessible, revealing the profound power of music as a therapeutic tool
Benefits
Singing activates multiple areas of the brain, stimulating cognitive function and potentially slowing the progression of dementia symptoms. The structured environment of a choir provides routine and predictability, which can be comforting for individuals experiencing memory loss. Choirs foster a supportive community among caregivers and family members, creating a network of understanding and shared experience that can alleviate some of the emotional stresses of dementia. Many individuals with dementia who struggle to articulate their thoughts are able to connect with others through song.
Referral criteria
- Carer or patient attending has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
- Patient has a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
- Patient and carer attend together.
- Patient does not require hands on care support (call to discuss)
Access
Held once a month in Wilmslow on Tuesday afternoon – contact us for dates
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
Patient Creative Art Club
Our Art Club does not require any experience of art but more a willingness to get creative. For many people experiencing dementia, traditional communication methods may become more difficult; however, art offers an alternative language. It allows them to express feelings, memories, and thoughts in ways that words alone often cannot capture. Through various art forms—members can explore their creativity in a supportive environment, allowing for experimentation and growth. This freedom of expression not only cultivates artistic skills but also boosts confidence, as individuals learn to embrace their unique voices and perspectives.
Benefits
Art for dementia patients can stimulate brain function and improve mood, helping to reduce anxiety and feelings of isolation. Art can evoke memories and provide opportunities for meaningful connections and can serve as a powerful tool for reminiscence therapy, allowing individuals to explore and connect with their past.
Referral criteria
- Patient attending has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
- Patient has a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
- Patient attends alone but the carer must remain nearby and contactable (we run a carers group at the same time to aid this)
- Patient does not require hands on care support (call to discuss)
Access
For patients only. Held once a month in Congleton on Friday afternoon – contact us for dates
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
Brain Busters Games Club
Choose from a variety of table games to play in pairs or larger groups, such as cards, dominoes, board games. We don’t play by strict rules, so it doesn’t matter if someone is not playing correctly, it’s more about having fun. Research indicates that participating in board and table games can significantly enhance cognitive engagement for individuals living with dementia. The act of playing games stimulates memory recall and problem-solving skills, while the shared experience fosters a sense of belonging and community. We offer varying levels of challenge and can be tailored to suit different cognitive abilities, ensuring that all participants can contribute meaningfully.
Benefits
Studies have highlighted the potential of these clubs to strengthen family bonds, as caregivers often find new ways to connect with their relatives through shared games and memories. Overall, evidence continues to indicate that dementia board games clubs serve as a valuable resource, offering cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and enriching social interactions for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Referral criteria
- Carer or patient attending has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
- Patient has a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
- Patient and carer attend together.
- Patient does not require hands on care support (call to discuss)
Access
Held once a month in Knutsford on Monday morning – contact us for dates
Please complete our referral form (link at the top of this page) which will automatically come through or complete the paper form (available below) and send to the details on the form.
Mindful Motion Tai Chi
Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art, has gained recognition for its potential benefits in managing dementia and enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from cognitive decline. This gentle practice combines slow, deliberate movements, deep breathing, and meditation, promoting physical health while also fostering mental well-being.
Benefits
Regular practice can lead to better balance, coordination, and overall mobility, which are crucial for maintaining independence in individuals with dementia. By prioritizing mindfulness and body awareness, Tai Chi encourages participants to remain present in the moment, fostering a sense of calm and reducing stress levels, which can be especially beneficial for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Referral criteria
- Carer or patient attending has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
- Patient has a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
- Patient and carer attend together.
- Patient does not require hands on care support (call to discuss)
Access
Held once a month in Poynton on a Thursday afternoon – contact us for dates
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
Tranquil Minds Yoga
Don’t worry we won’t have you down on the floor doing downward dog, our dementia yoga class is simplified chair-based yoga. The gentle movements, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques intrinsic to yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, and strength, which are often compromised in those with cognitive decline. As individuals engage in yoga, they are encouraged to focus on their breath and bodily sensations, fostering a sense of presence and grounding that can reduce anxiety and agitation commonly associated with dementia.
Benefits
Regular yoga practice can enhance cognitive functioning by promoting increased blood circulation to the brain, facilitating better oxygen flow. This can lead to improved memory retention and sharper focus, which are crucial for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Additionally, the gentle movements and stretches in yoga can improve flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of falls — a common concern for those with dementia.
Referral criteria
- Carer or patient attending has a GP in the Hospice catchment area.
- Patient has a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
- Patient and carer attend together.
- Patient does not require hands on care support (call to discuss)
Access
Held once a month onsite in Macclesfield on a Wednesday morning – contact us for dates
Please complete our online dementia referral form, or download the dementia referral form document (available at the bottom of the page) and send to the details on the form.
East Cheshire Hospice is committed to improving the lives of local people living with dementia and their carers and development of specific services is included in the Hospice’s five-year strategy. We are committed to increasing the availability and effectiveness of all our existing dementia services, launch new services and improve the ‘dementia friendliness’ of our organisation as a whole.
