Dementia or simply old age? Stansted care home to host free advice event and dance

As part of a nationwide initiative, a care home in Stansted is inviting local people to a free dance evening with advice on living with dementia.

On Thursday 20^th February, from 5pm-7pm, Care UK’s Mountfitchet House, on Coltsfield, 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 ‘Dance for Dementia’ session at Mountfitchet House will offer attendees a chance to reminisce, as well as stimulate the brain through movement. The expert care team will also be on-hand afterwards to offer support and guidance on how to live well with dementia, and complimentary refreshments will be available.

In addition to the event, the Stansted 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.  

Joanna Duke, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House said: “Since we first opened the doors to our care home, we’ve been committed to making Stansted 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 for what promises to be a fun and insightful evening of dance and dementia guidance, and we’d encourage those interested to book their space to avoid missing out.”

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

Mountfitchet House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.