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

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

On Wednesday 5^th February, from 10.30am –12 noon, Care UK’s Foxland Grange, on Wergs Road, 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 ‘Let’s talk about dementia’ session at Foxland Grange will be led by dementia expert, Jane Round and Claire Reynolds from the Alzheimer’s society, and will shine a light on some aspects of dementia that are not often talked about, while sharing insights into why a loved one might be behaving differently and how to support them. Complimentary refreshments will be provided during the event. 

In addition to the event, the Wolverhampton 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.

Katy Anderson, General Manager at Foxland Grange, 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; together, we can build a more dementia-friendly Wolverhampton.”

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, Foxland Grange provides specialist residential, dementia and nursing care, and incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.