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

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

On Saturday 25^th January, from 11am-1pm, Care UK’s Hollins Park, on Victoria 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. 

The ‘Living Well with Dementia’ session at Hollins Park will be led by dementia expert Sara Rainbow, Dementia Care Coach, who will be on-hand to provide insights on the typical signs of dementia and advice on how to live well with the condition. It will also provide the opportunity to meet other people caring for someone with dementia, share experiences and gain support, while enjoying some complimentary refreshments.   

In addition to the event, the Macclesfield 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.  

Tracy Norbury, Home Manager at Hollins Park, 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 Macclesfield.”

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

Hollins Park, rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.