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

A care home in Leatherhead 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 Liberham Lodge, on Rectory 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, residents and team members joined forces to launch ‘Liberham Lodge’s Big Garden Walk’, which saw residents collectively walk 105 miles around the home’s garden. The sponsored walk raised funds for Mid Surrey Dementia Care, a dementia charity that helps people living with memory difficulties retain their communication and social skills. 

Jagpal Singh, General Manager at Liberham Lodge, said: “Here at Liberham Lodge, we try to highlight the ways we can support those living with dementia and their loved ones – and Dementia Action Week gives us the perfect opportunity to do so.

“In addition to releasing our new guide, One step at a time, perfectly tailored to support families whose loved ones have been diagnosed with dementia, I’m thrilled to announce we have also raised £389 for Mid Surrey Dementia Care. 

“We had a fantastic time hosting fundraising activities and we’re thrilled to be able to enable them to continue to support the local community.”

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 Liberham Lodge, please email Vicky Radmore, Home Admissions Advisor on victoria.radmore@careuk.com or call 01372 887982 

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, Liberham Lodge, 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 the residents.