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

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

On Friday 31^st January, from 11am-12.30pm, Care UK’s Rossetti House, on Welshmill Lane, is inviting members of the community for 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 Carers Café session at Rossetti House will be led by dementia expert Claire Corcoran, Dementia Advisor for Alzheimer’s Society in Somerset, who will deliver a talk about supporting those living with dementia. The event will also provide the opportunity for carers in the community to meet one another, share their experiences and seek support and guidance.

In addition to the event, the Frome 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.  

Phil Vale, General Manager at Rossetti House, 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, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Claire to Rosetti House, whose expertise and guidance will be really valuable for those attending.

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

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, Rossetti House incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities and has its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and café. The dedicated team provides residential, dementia and nursing care in social environment, as well as short term respite care. The building has been designed to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.