Free seminars to help carers of people living with dementia

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Feb 18, 2013

Carers in Halstead and Colchester are being invited to free seminars at two of Care UKs residential homes led by a renowned expert in dementia.

The seminars, later this month, have been designed to help carers to learn more about how to help friends and relatives living with the condition.

They will be led by dementia expert James Wilson, who lectures in Mental Health at Southampton University. Called Caring for Someone with Dementia, the seminars will provide an understanding of what dementia is as well as ways to help people continue to have a fulfilled life.

Mr Wilson said: “ ‘If only I had known that at the start of my journey’ – is the most common statement I hear from carers who have described their journey of care as slowly fumbling your way along an obstacle-filled path while blindfolded, frustrated and alone.”

“It can be difficult to navigate your way through the unusual and new complexities that are thrown up when dementia enters your life uninvited. I warmly invite you to come to this seminar and meet others in the same position as you.”

Ana Tudorache, manager at Colne View in Halstead, said: “Caring for someone with dementia can be particularly difficult for a friend or relative as they have no training and do not know what to expect, they also have emotional ties to the person and this can make things more troubling for them.

“We hope the seminars will not only provide people with practical ideas and information but it will enable them to talk to talk to Care UK carers who are specially trained in dementia care and meet other people who are in similar positions.”

Both seminars will take place on Friday February 22 and will be held at Colne View in Dame Mary Walk, Halstead from 10am to 1pm and at Silversprings in Tenpenny Hill, Thorrington from 2pm to 5pm. Places for both are free, but availability is limited.

If you would like to attend the session at Colne View, please contact Rosemary Waller on 01787 844723 and for the session at Silversprings, contact Karen Stokeld on 01206 931609.