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

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

On Tuesday 14^th January, from 2:30pm till 4:30pm, Care UK’s Greenview Hall, on Streets Heath, is inviting members of the community for 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 ‘Let’s talk about dementia’ session at Greenview Hall will be led by dementia expert Edna Hullana, the home’s Dementia Care Coach, and will help individuals understand the different types of dementia and how family support plans and distraction techniques can help older people to live well with the condition. Complimentary refreshments will also be available, including sausage rolls, cakes, tea and coffee. 

In addition to the event, the Woking 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.  

Meera Govindapillai, General Manager at Greenview Hall, said: “Awareness around dementia has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and yet some hard-to-dispel myths remain. 

“While there’s no cure for dementia, there are ways to prevent and manage some of the symptoms, which can in turn enable people to lead fulfilling lives after a diagnosis. That’s why we’re excited to be opening our doors to the community as part of this year’s Big Dementia Conversation.

“We are looking forward to welcoming local people to our ‘Let’s talk about dementia’ event for what promises to be an interesting afternoon of information and 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, available at careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation.

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Greenview Hall incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. 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.