Dementia or simply old age? Cambridge care home to host free advice event

As part of a nationwide initiative, a care home in Cambridge is inviting local people to its free dementia advice event.

On Wednesday 12^th February, from 2-4pm, Care UK’s Heathlands House, on Bullen Close, is inviting members of the community to a special event 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. 

The ‘Supporting People with Advanced Dementia’ session at Heathlands House will be led by Jo Molloy-Cruden Customer Relations Manager and will provide information about how the brain changes during the advanced stages of dementia and how to support loved ones with their changing physical and emotional needs, and behaviours. Complimentary refreshments will also be available, for people to share their experiences over coffee and cake. 

In addition to the event, the Cambridge 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.  

Razvan Stanbeca, Home Manager at Heathlands House, said: “Awareness around dementia has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and yet some hard-to-dispel myths remain. 

“While there’s no cure for dementia, there are ways to prevent and manage some of the symptoms, which can in turn enable people to lead fulfilling lives after a diagnosis. That’s why we’re excited to be opening our doors to the community as part of this year’s Big Dementia Conversation.

“We are looking forward to welcoming local people for what promises to be an interesting afternoon of information and guidance, and we’d encourage those interested to book their space to avoid missing out.”

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

Heathlands House is a purpose-built care home that provides residential, dementia and nursing care. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, both indoors and out. The layout of the building has been configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge and dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.