Dementia or simply old age? Southampton care homes host free advice events

As part of a nationwide initiative, two care homes in Southampton are inviting local people to a series of free dementia advice events.

On Friday 7^th February, from 2-3pm, Care UK’s Carpathia Grange, on Southampton Road, Hythe, is inviting members of the community to the first in a series of a special events 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 ‘Let’s talk about dementia’ session at Carpathia Grange  will be led by the home’s dementia care coach Madeeha Samad and will shine a light on some aspects of dementia that are lesser known, along with exploring why a loved one might be behaving differently and what can be done to support them. Advice will also be shared on how to live positively with dementia, while making emotional and practical adjustments along the way.

Carpathia Grange will host three further events throughout February, including a ‘Typical signs of ageing or dementia?’ talk on Friday 14^th February, a ‘Supporting people with advanced dementia’ session on Friday 21^st February, and a ‘Living well with dementia’ event on Friday 28^th February. All talks will be presented by team members Madeeha Samad and Ellie Peters and will run from 2pm-3pm.

Meanwhile Care UK’s Ancasta Grove, on Barnes Lane, in Sarisbury Green, will host a ‘Typical signs of ageing or dementia?’ session on Tuesday 20^th February from 11am-12.30pm. The talk, delivered by dementia specialist Zoe Morris, will feature insights about the typical signs of ageing and how symptoms differ from dementia, along with offering practical guidance on living well with dementia. 

Complimentary refreshments will be available at each talk.

In addition to the events, the Southampton 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.  

Audrey Chiduku, Home Manager at Ancasta Grove, 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 events.”

Jodie Farr, Home Manager at Carpathia Grange, added: “We’d like to encourage the local community to join us for our series of dementia talks at Carpathia Grange; together, we can build a more dementia-friendly Southampton and the Waterside.”

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, visit careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation

Carpathia Grange and Ancasta Grove are luxury care homes providing residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. The homes have been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, and each have their own cinema, hair and beauty salon, and bar.