‘The start of a new chapter’ – Cheltenham care home launches new dementia guide to support families

A care home in Cheltenham has 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 Sandfields, on St George’s Road, 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, Sandfields is inviting the community to its Forget Me Not Café at John Lewis, in the town centre, from 3pm-4pm on Wednesday 31^st May. Families and carers of loved ones living with dementia will be able to meet like-minded members of the community, share experiences and gain valuable advice from experts in dementia care.

Malaika Browne, Home Manager at Sandfields, 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 dementia and are looking forward to welcoming the community to our Forget Me Not Café at John Lewis. We anticipate this will be an inspiring afternoon of information and guidance for everyone involved – 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 Sandfields, or book your place at the event, contact Customer Relations Manager, Virginia Peachey, on 01242 801867 or email virginia.peachey@careuk.com

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

Sandfields is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.