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

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

On Thursday 16^th January, from 3pm till 5pm, Care UK’s Anning House, on Cross Road, is inviting members of the community to a special Dementia Café 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 is for those living with dementia and their loved ones, providing the opportunity for them to meet other people, share experiences, take part in some fun activities, and seek advice and support from dementia specialists. Complimentary refreshments will also be provided, including freshly baked cakes prepared by the Head Chef, Jeremmy Davis. 

In addition to the event, the Weymouth 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.  

Heidi Williams, General Manager at Anning House, 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 event. 

“We’d like to encourage the local community to join us at our special event; together, we can build a more dementia-friendly Weymouth.”

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, Anning House incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, and has its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and café. 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.