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

A care home in Eye 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 Hartismere Place, on Castleton Way, 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 of the guide, and as part of the home’s Dementia Action Week activities, Hartismere Place is hosting two Let’s Talk About Dementia events on Wednesday 17^th May. There will be an in-person session, from 2pm-3.30pm, and the online session will take place from 6.30pm-8pm. These free events are open to the local community and 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 the condition. 

The team at Hartismere Place is also hosting a raffle to raise funds for The Dove Dementia Café in Diss, and the Dementia-Friendly Friday Friends Café in Stradbroke, two local organisations that offer support for those diagnosed with dementia and their loved ones. In addition, the home will be welcoming children from Eye Primary School to encourage open conversations about dementia, and pupils will also be asking residents questions about their lives.

Claire Martin, Home Manager at Hartismere Place, 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 with our Let’s Talk About Dementia events. 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, and will be answering the most commonly asked questions.

“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.”

To find out more about Hartismere Place and book your place at the event, please contact Senior Customer Relations Manager, Angela Hodge, on 01379 888276 or email angela.hodge@careuk.com 

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

Hartismere Place has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, residential dementia, as well as short term respite care.