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

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

On Wednesday 29^th January, from 2pm-3.30pm, Care UK’s Ridley Manor, on The Row, 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 ‘Typical signs of ageing or dementia?’ session at Ridley Manor will be led by Estelle Adriaans, General Manager and Hayley Devereaux, Customer Relations Manager, who will deliver a talk on the typical signs of ageing and how symptoms differ from dementia. They will also give guidance on how to live well with dementia, and complimentary refreshments, including wine and cheese, will also be available to enjoy.

In addition to the event, the High Wycombe 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.  

Estelle Adriaans, General Manager at Ridley Manor, said: “Since we first opened the doors to our care home, we’ve been committed to making Buckinghamshire a more dementia-friendly place.

“We understand that dementia 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, available at careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation. 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Ridley Manor incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.