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

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

On Tuesday 28^th January, from 12 noon-4.00pm, Care UK’s  Lonsdale Mews, on Farley Way, 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 ‘Adjusting to Diagnosis of Dementia’ session at Lonsdale Mews will be led by two dementia experts, Stuart Kennedy, Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse for Charnwood, and Barbara Stephens, CEO of Dementia Pathfinders.

From 12 noon-2.00pm, Stuart will hold a drop-in information session, together with community dementia support groups, who will be able to offer advice and information about the condition. From 2.00pm-4.00pm, Barbara will share insights into how someone’s journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and offer advice on how to live positively with dementia, while making emotional and practical adjustments along the way. Complimentary refreshments will be available. 

In addition to the event, the Loughborough 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.  

The event comes just months after seven Lonsdale Mews team members took part in a skydive to raise over £7,000 for Dementia UK, a cause close to the team’s hearts.

Toby Sturgess, Home Manager at Lonsdale Mews, 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 Loughborough.”

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

Lonsdale Mews offers full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, and has its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café. 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.