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

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

On Wednesday 12^th February, from 10.30am-12 noon, Care UK’s Salisbury Manor, on Shapland Close, 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 Dementia Café at Salisbury Manor will be led by the home’s dementia champion, Elaine Mitchell, Team Leader, and is aimed at those living with dementia and their loved ones. The event will offer a safe and friendly space for individuals to connect, share experiences and seek support, while taking part in fun activities and enjoying complimentary refreshments, including freshly baked cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef. 

In addition to the event, the Salisbury 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.

Skye Williams, General Manager at Salisbury Manor, said: “Here at Salisbury Manor, we strive to create a sense of belonging within the home and provide a positive impact on the local community by building support systems for our neighbours. 

“Places like our Dementia Café are perfect for meeting people going through similar experiences, while benefiting from expert advice from our team. 

“We’d like to invite everyone to join in the Big Dementia Conversation by attending our upcoming session – we’re looking forward to welcoming new faces and old friends for a chat over a cup of tea and slice of cake.” 

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

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Salisbury Manor incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care 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.