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

A care home in Chingford is launching 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 Ivy Grove on Hatch Lane, 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, Ivy Grove is hosting an Understanding Dementia event on Wednesday 17^th May, at 6pm. This free in person event is open to the local community and will be led by Linda Dawes, Quality Development Manager for Residential Care at Care UK, who will cover a number of topics to help people understand what it is like to live with dementia. There will also be support and practical advice on what dementia is and how memories are lost, as well as useful tips on how to overcome communication barriers and discover positive approaches to living with the condition.

Alexander Bragg, General Manager at Ivy Grove, said: “Here at Ivy Grove, we are committed to providing support to those in the community who may be caring for a loved one living with dementia – which is why we’re excited to be unveiling our new guide, One step at a time. 

“To celebrate, we’re also inviting the community to learn more about dementia at our Understanding Dementia event on the 17^th May. This event aims to empower carers by supporting them with professional knowledge, insight, and effective strategies to make living with dementia a more positive experience.

“We’re incredibly proud of our team members’ expertise when it comes to dementia care, and we hope the community will take this opportunity to join us for an inspiring evening of guidance – as well as watching the contents of our guide online.” 

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 Ivy Grove or to book your place on the talk, please call April Jones, Home Admissions Advisor on 020 3797 0198 or email April.Jones@careuk.com 

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

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Ivy Grove incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among residents.