‘The start of a new chapter’ – Banbury care homes launch new dementia guide to support families

Two care homes in Banbury have launched a unique video guide to support people whose loved ones have been diagnosed with dementia.

A poll of 2,000 adults carried out by Care UK, which operates Highmarket House, on North Bar Place, and Seccombe Court, on Gardner Way in Adderbury, found over two thirds of British adults (67%) admitted they felt they should know more about dementia.  

Launched in response, the guide – One step at a time – A video guide to navigating dementia – is the first of its kind and is split into three sections: Dealing with a dementia diagnosis, Living well with dementia and Supporting the carer. It is the eighth guide to be released by Care UK, following the success of its predecessors – but the first to be available in video format. 

Tapping into more than 40 years of experience providing care for people living with dementia, the videos include detailed explanations and practical advice from Care UK’s experts, including Head of Nursing, Care and Dementia, Suzanne Mumford, Managers and team members from care homes across the country, plus residents’ families and carers.

Each section is designed to provide a lifeline for families whose loved one has been diagnosed with dementia by dispelling common myths and helping to shine a light on what it means to live with the condition. 

It also includes practical tips from carers to help them understand how they can continue taking care of themselves, but also how their loved ones can go on to lead fulfilling lives after a diagnosis – from keeping active to continuing to enjoy old hobbies.

To celebrate the launch, the team at Highmarket House is inviting the community to join them for a pawsome dog walk through Banbury town centre for Alzheimer’s Research UK at 11am on Tuesday 16th May. 

Highmarket House is also hosting a bitesize dementia session from 2pm on Tuesday 23rd May. In partnership with Dementia Oxfordshire, the session aims to bring families and carers together for support and to share helpful advice on caring for a loved one living with dementia.

While Seccombe Court, in Adderbury, is launching a new monthly dementia café, designed to help local people caring for loved ones living with dementia, from 10.45am – 12pm on Wednesday 17th May. 

The relaxed, informal café will provide an opportunity for carers, families, and people living with dementia to drop into the home for a break, a chat and to meet others in a similar situation to them.  

Francesca Cowley, Home Manager at Highmarket House, said: “Thousands of people each year are diagnosed with dementia, which can feel confusing for those diagnosed as well as their loved ones – which is why we’ve created our new guide, ‘One step at a time’.

“To celebrate, we’re also inviting the community to a special event – we’re calling on dog owners and walkers from across Banbury to join us in raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, encouraging people to get their daily exercise and have a chat, all while fundraising for a great cause.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming local people for an inspiring afternoon of information and guidance – and would like to encourage those who can’t attend to watch our new video guide and get in touch if they have any questions.”

As part of the launch, Care UK has also teamed up with Alzheimer’s Society ambassador, award-winning journalist and TV presenter Angela Rippon. She commented “I understand the feeling that families experience when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. It's a difficult time, and it's easy to feel powerless and alone.

“There are numerous common misconceptions about dementia, and while it may be difficult to receive a diagnosis, it’s important to remember that it can also be the start of a new chapter. 

“I believe that raising awareness about the symptoms of dementia and what it's like to live with the condition is incredibly important. I'd like to encourage everyone to explore Care UK's video guide so that we can all work together to make our society more dementia friendly.”

Highmarket House and Seccombe Court are state-of-the-art care homes which provide full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care homes incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities and including their own cinemas, hair salons and cafés.

For more information on Highmarket House or to book your place on the event, please call Customer Relations Manager, Daniel Worley, on 01295 297596, or email daniel.worley@careuk.com

To find out more about Seccombe Court or to book a place at our free dementia café, call Home Admissions Advisor, Steve Dumbrill, on 01295 298795, email steve.dumbrill@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/seccombe-cour

To access the guide, please visit careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time