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

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

Care UK’s Mills Meadow, in Framlingham, and Hartismere Place, in Eye, are inviting members of the community for two 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. 

At Mills Meadow, on Wednesday 29^th January, between 10.30am and noon, a Dementia Café will be led by Zoe Cotgrave, the home’s Dementia Coach. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences, meet other people, and take part in fun activities, while getting valuable advice and support and enjoying complimentary freshly baked cakes, prepared by the Head Chef. Peter Berry, Framlingham community champion, will also be giving a 45-minute talk on living with dementia.

On Wednesday 12^th February, from 10.30am-12.30pm, a ‘Typical Signs of Ageing or Dementia?’ session at Hartismere Place will be led by the home’s Senior Customer Relations Manager Angela Hodge. Angela will share insights into typical signs of ageing and how symptoms differ from dementia, as well as providing guidance on how to live well with dementia.

In addition to the events, the Suffolk 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.  

Kate Smith, Home Manager at Mills Meadow, said: “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 Dementia Café.”

Claire Martin, Home Manager at Hartismere Place, said: “We’d like to encourage the local community to join us for our ‘Typical Signs of Ageing or Dementia?’ event, which we know will be so valuable to many. It will be an opportunity to meet other people in similar circumstances, share experiences and gain some valuable insights. Together, we can build a more dementia-friendly Suffolk.” 

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

Mills Meadow and Hartismere Place are modern care homes providing full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the homes have their very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation. The team at Hartismere Place also operate a day centre, the Hartismere Place Day Club, open to the community throughout the week.