Dementia or simply old age? Clacton-on-Sea care home to host free advice event

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

On Saturday 1^st February, from 1pm-3.30pm, Care UK’s Haven Lodge, on Reckitts 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 Dementia Café at Haven Lodge will be an opportunity for attendees to meet other carers and share experiences over complimentary coffee and cake, while their loved one enjoys an activity. Haven Lodge’s dementia team will be available to offer insights into typical signs of ageing and how symptoms differ from dementia, as well as advice on living well with the condition.

In addition to the event, the Clacton-on-Sea 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.  

Stefano Vivoli, Home Manager at Haven Lodge, said: “Here at Haven Lodge, we strive to create a sense of belonging within the home and provide a positive impact on the local community by building support systems for our neighbours. 

“Events like our Dementia 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 session – 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

Haven Lodge has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The highly skilled team provide residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as respite care.