The start of a new chapter’ – Bury St Edmunds care homes launch new dementia guide to support families

Care homes in Bury St Edmunds 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 Glastonbury Court and Davers Court, 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 mark the launch, Davers Court and Glastonbury Court are hosting a joint Let’s Talk About Dementia event on Tuesday 23^rd May, from 10am-12pm. This free event will be held at Glastonbury Court, on Glastonbury Road, and is open to the local community. The talk will cover a number of topics to help people understand what it is like to live with dementia, providing support and practical advice on how to identify the signs and symptoms and how to care for a loved one with dementia.

Ana Mihai, Home Manager at Glastonbury Court, 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’.

“We’ll also be hosting a special event for those keen to learn more about the condition with our Let’s Talk About Dementia event. Our team of dementia experts will be on hand to offer support to those in the local community caring for a loved one with dementia, answering their most commonly asked questions.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming local people for an inspiring morning 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.”

To find out more about Davers Court or Glastonbury Court, and book your place at the event, please contact chantal.sencier@careuk.com or visit: careuk.com/suffolk

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

Davers Court and Glastonbury Court are modern care homes providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the homes have their very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.