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

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

On Thursday 30^th January, from 3pm till 5pm, Care UK’s Liberham Lodge, on Rectory 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 dementia event at Liberham Lodge will be a 1930s Jazz afternoon where staff and residents will dress up and dance along to live music by a well-known local entertainer, Edina. 

In addition to the event, the Leatherhead 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.  

Jagpal Singh, General Manager at Liberham Lodge, said: “Since we first opened the doors to our care home, we’ve been committed to making Leatherhead a more dementia-friendly place.

“We understand it 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 Dementia Café, 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. 

Liberham Lodge offers specialist residential, dementia and nursing care in a stunning environment, as well as short term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, and has its own cinema, pub/bar and hair and beauty salon. The layout of the building has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.