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

A care home in Cringleford 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 Cavell Court, on Dragonfly 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, Cavell Court organised a 24-hour walk-a-thon in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Starting at 8pm, residents and team members relayed each other to complete laps of the home’s garden up until the following evening. Their valiant efforts enabled them to raise £516. 

Karen Curle, Home Manager at Cavell Court, said: “Contrary to popular belief, a dementia diagnosis isn’t the end, but the start of a new journey – and one that we’re honoured to be accompanying people on through our latest guide, One step at a time. 

“This is also why we’re thrilled to have raise £516 for the Alzheimer’s Society by hosting a 24-hour walk-a-thon. Enjoying light physical exercise and spending time outdoors can do wonders for older people – and being able to do so for a good cause certainly gave us a boost! 

“We know just how vital their support is for local people, and we couldn’t be prouder to offer our support. We hope we can continue to build on this relationship and work together to create a more dementia-friendly Cringleford.” 

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 Cavell Court, contact Customer Relations Manager Samantha Woods, on samantha.woods@careuk.com call 01324 804726.

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

Cavell Court is a modern care home which provides 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 care home has its very own cinema and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.