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

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

On Wednesday 5^th February from 10.30am – 12pm, Care UK’s Snowdrop House, on Baldock Street, 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 Community Café at Snowdrop House will take place on the first Wednesday of every month and is an opportunity for attendees to meet other carers and share experiences over complimentary coffee and cake.

Attendees can also join a ‘Dancing for Joy’ session, featuring music from the 60s and 70s, including hits from Cliff Richard and Abba. This session aims to evoke memories and stimulate the brain through movement. 

Snowdrop House’s dementia team will be available to offer insights into typical signs of ageing and how symptoms differ from dementia, as well as advice on living well with the condition.

In addition to the event, the Ware 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.  

Clare Crow, Home Manager at Snowdrop House, said: “Here at Snowdrop House, 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. 

“Events like our Community 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 Community Café – we’re looking forward to welcoming new faces and old friends for a chat over a warm brew 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

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