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

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

On Wednesday 12^th February, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Llys Cyncoed, on Cyncoed Road, 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 dementia advice session at Llys Cyncoed will be led by the home’s Dementia Champions Sarah-Jayne, Lauren and Helena, who will deliver a talk on how the home uses Namaste care practices to reduce stress and promote relaxation for residents living with dementia—providing valuable advice for members of the community with loved ones who live with the condition.

The Llys Cyncoed dementia specialists will be on-hand to answer any questions and address any concerns the community may have, and tours of the home will be available, along with complimentary refreshments.

In addition to the event, the Cardiff 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.

Virgil Frincu, General Manager at Llys Cyncoed, said: “Since we first opened the doors to Llys Cyncoed, we’ve been committed to making Cardiff a more dementia-friendly place.

“We understand it can be overwhelming, especially when a loved one is first diagnosed, but we’re here to help. That’s why we’re taking part in the Big Dementia Conversation; we want to give people the tools they need to support a loved one with the condition. 

“We are looking forward to welcoming local people to our event and helping to build a community-wide support network.” 

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

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Llys Cyncoed provides residential, dementia and respite care in a luxury environment, and incorporates plenty space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.