Dementia or simply old age? Bury St Edmunds care homes to host free advice events

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

Care UK’s Davers Court, on Shakers Lane, and Mildenhall Lodge, on St John’s Close, are inviting members of the community to two 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. 

At Mildenhall Lodge, on Thursday 13^th February, from 10.30am to noon, a Dementia Café will be led by Helen Butcher, Dementia Care Coach, and Marina Dunbavin, Lifestyle Lead at the home. 

Davers Court will also be hosting a Dementia Café in partnership with its sister home, Glastonbury Court, on Wednesday 19^th February, between 2.30pm and 4pm. The day will be led by Bonnie Hall, Customer Relations Manager, who will be joined by healthcare professionals.

Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences and meet other people, while their loved ones take part in fun reminiscence activities, and valuable advice and support will be available, along with complimentary freshly baked cakes, prepared by the home’s Head Chef.

In addition to the events, the Bury St Edmunds 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.  

Abhi Gopi, Home Manager at Davers Court, said: “Most people cannot confidently differentiate between signs of old age and symptoms of dementia – nor can they picture leading a meaningful life once diagnosed. We want to change this, which is why we’re thrilled to be taking part in the Big Dementia Conversation once again by hosting our own free Dementia Café.”

Hannah Nurse, Home Manager at Mildenhall Lodge, said: “We’d like to encourage the local community to join us for our Dementia Café, which we know will be so valuable to many. It will be an opportunity to meet other people in similar circumstances, share experiences and gain some valuable insights. Together, we can build a more dementia friendly Bury St Edmunds.” 

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

Mildenhall Lodge, Glastonbury Court and Davers Court are modern care homes providing full-time residential, dementia and respite care, with Davers Court having also recently opened its new day centre and Mildenhall Lodge also providing nursing care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the homes have their very own cinema, hair and beauty salon, and pub—and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.