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

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

On Wednesday 19^th February from 2-4pm, Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, 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 Friends session at Colne View will be led by Senior Customer Relations Manager, Kim Richardson, alongside the home’s Dementia Champion, Dawn Burford, who will explain how to live well with dementia, and how to become a Dementia Friend. The event will provide an opportunity for the local community to meet other people living with dementia and the loved ones supporting them, and complimentary refreshments will be available,  

In addition to the event, the Halstead 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.  

Monica Boldeata, Home Manager at Colne View, said: “When an older relative starts acting out of character or forgetting things, it can be a worrying time for family members. 

“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 advice event. 

“We’d like to encourage the local community to join us; together, we can build a more dementia-friendly Halstead.”

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

Colne View is a care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services, including residential care, dementia care and short-term respite care, and even has its own cinema, café and hair salon.