As part of a nationwide initiative, a care home in Sevenoaks is inviting local people to its free dementia advice event.
On Tuesday 18th March, from 3pm-4pm, Care UK’s Weald Heights, on Bourchier Close, is inviting members of the community to a special event as part of The Big Dementia Conversation, a nationwide initiative designed to show people how to better understand common symptoms and live well with the condition.
While general awareness of the condition has improved, data from Care UK shows two thirds of people who have a relative living with dementia (62%) initially put their symptoms down to old age. Many Brits remain unaware of the ways older people can lead meaningful lives with the condition, prompting Care UK to relaunch its Big Dementia Conversation for the second year running.
The ‘Supporting People with Advanced Dementia’ session at Weald Heights will provide details of how the brain changes during the advanced stages of dementia and how you can support your loved one through their physical and emotional needs and behaviours.
In addition to the event, the Sevenoaks community can also visit a newly launched online advice hub. The hub includes in-depth conversations with families of people living with dementia, as well as expert advice from Care UK’s dementia specialists to learn how to reduce the risks and symptoms of the condition.
Maria Covington, Home Manager at Weald Heights, said: “When an older relative starts acting out of character or forgetting things, it can be a worrying time for family members.
“Most people cannot confidently differentiate between signs of old age and symptoms of dementia – nor can they picture leading a meaningful life once diagnosed. We want to change this, which is why we’re thrilled to be taking part in the Big Dementia Conversation once again by hosting our own free advice event.
“We’d like to encourage the local community to join us; together, we can build a more dementia-friendly Sevenoaks”
To find out more about Weald Heights, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Amelia Moore, on 01732 913 399, or email amelia.moore2@careuk.com.
To support people who may be experiencing symptoms of dementia or their loved ones, Care UK has setup a free helpline and advice hub. To find out more, please visit: careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation
