East Kent Independent Dementia Support

Dementia touches the lives of many of us. It is estimated that in Thanet there are over 2000 dementia patients and this figure will rise to approximately 3000 in 2026. In Kent the figures are over 22 000 current patients rising to over 30 000 in 2026.

Dementia is not itself a disease. It is an umbrella term that refers to symptoms caused by a number of illnesses, of which Alzheimer's disease is, perhaps, the most widely known. There are probably, however, a hundred or more illnesses that can cause dementia.

One of the most difficult things for people whose lives are affected by dementia is where to go to find support and advice. In East Kent we are very lucky to have a number of organisations, one of which, in particular, is East Kent Independent Dementia Support (EKIDS for short). I have singled out this organisation for mention in this article because today I, along with a colleague, attended one of their monthly support group meetings, where we were made very welcome indeed.

EKIDS is a support group in East Kent for people living with dementia and for their families and carers. There are five locations (see the website for details), where meetings are held, usually once each month at each location. (EKIDS do a great deal more than this, but I'll keep this article brief). The meeting we attended was at St Christopher's church in Newington, Ramsgate.

At the meeting we attended, there was a speaker named Christine Cuss, who gave a very interesting and moving talk about growing up during the blitz. In adult life, she discovered a diary kept by her father addressed to her. Christine has published this diary as a book entitled Notes to my Daughter. Proceeds from the book are donated by Christine to the British Legion.

There are a number of impressive things about EKIDS; I will mention just three. First, you are sure of a very warm welcome. If you want to attend a meeting, you can contact them in advance (01227 730000; enquiries@ekids.org.uk), or you can just turn up. Either way you will be made very welcome.

The second impressive thing is that the people there genuinely feel they are supported; it is difficult to put a price on that.

And thirdly, the people in this group are a fantastic source of knowledge. They probably do not have the answers to everyone's questions, but someone will probably be in a position to know where the answers can be found.

If you want more information about EKIDS:
go to their website: www.ekids.org.uk
telephone: 01227 73000
email: ekids.enquiries@outlook.com

They also have a Facebook page that is well worth a visit.

If you or someone you know is affected by dementia, EKIDS may be well worth looking more closely at.

Garry Costain is the Managing Director of Caremark Thanet, a domiciliary care provider with offices in Margate, Kent. Caremark Thanet provides home care services throughout the Isle of Thanet. Garry can be contacted on 01843 235910 or email garry.costain@caremark.co.uk. You can also visit Caremark Thanet's website at www.caremark.co.uk/thanet.