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

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

On Tuesday 28^th January, from 10:30am till 12:30pm, Care UK’s Amherst House, on Court Lodge Road, 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. 

As part of the initiative, the home will be welcoming the local community to its Dementia Café event. Attendees will be able to seek guidance from the home’s team members and have the opportunity to meet other carers who support somebody living with dementia, to share their experiences over cake and coffee, and create a vital support network. 

In addition to the event, the Horley 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.  

Cristina Cristea, General Manager at Amherst 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. 

“We’d like to encourage the local community to join us at our Dementia Café on Tuesday 28^th January between 10.30am and 12:30pm; together, we can build a more dementia-friendly Horley.”

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 

Amherst House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care, and has its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and bar.