Dementia or simply old age? Birmingham care homes to host free advice events

As part of a nationwide initiative, two care homes in Birmingham are inviting local people to their free dementia advice events.

Care UK’s Metchley Manor, on Church Road, and Edgbaston Manor, on Speedwell Road, are inviting members of the community to special events as part of The Big Dementia Conversation, a nationwide initiative designed to show people how to better understand common symptoms and live well with the condition.  

While general awareness of the condition has improved, data from Care UK shows two thirds of people who have a relative living with dementia (62%) initially put their symptoms down to old age. Many Brits remain unaware of the ways older people can lead meaningful lives with the condition, prompting Care UK to relaunch its Big Dementia Conversation for the second year running. 

Both homes will be hosting dedicated dementia events, providing a safe and friendly space for individuals affected by dementia, their families, and caregivers to connect over coffee and cake, while sharing experiences and seeking support. 

Edgbaston Manor will be hosting a Dementia Friends session on Wednesday 5^th February, from 6pm, in the home’s café, which will be hosted by dementia champions Serina Yasmin and Danyal Hussain, Memory Care Leads. 

Metchley Manor will be hosting an ‘Adjusting to a diagnosis of dementia’ session on Tuesday 25^th February, from 2pm-4pm, led by dementia expert Barbara Stephens, CEO of Dementia Pathfinders. Barbara will share insights into how the journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis, and will offer advice on how to live positively with dementia, while making emotional and practical adjustments along the way.

In addition to these events, the Birmingham community can also visit a newly launched online advice hub. The hub includes in-depth conversations with families of people living with dementia, as well as expert advice from Care UK’s dementia specialists to learn how to reduce the risks and symptoms of the condition.

Kim Marie Newton, General Manager at Metchley Manor, said:  “Most people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime – whether it’s through a loved one’s diagnosis or their own.

“We know just how much of a difference expert guidance can make, which is why we’re looking forward to welcoming Barbara to Metchley Manor for the Big Dementia Conversation. She’ll be able to provide guidance for carers, while offering insight into what it’s like to live with the condition.”  

Zoe Stevenson, Home Manager at Edgbaston Manor, said: “Places like our Dementia Friends Café are perfect for meeting people going through similar experiences while benefiting from expert advice from our team.   

“We’d like to invite everyone to join in the Big Dementia Conversation by attending our upcoming event – we’re looking forward to welcoming new faces and old friends for a chat over a cup of tea and slice of cake.”  

To support people who may be experiencing symptoms of dementia or their loved ones, Care UK has set up a free helpline and advice hub. To find out more, please visit: careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation

Metchley Manor and Edgbaston Manor have been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The homes have been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. There is also plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.