Living well with dementia – Chester care home to host free advice event

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

On Wednesday 22^nd January, from 2-4pm, Care UK’s Deewater Grange, on Chester Road, 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 ‘Eating well with dementia’ session at Deewater Grange will be led by the home’s Dementia Champion Sophie Harrison and will provide insights into how dementia can affect a person’s dietary needs and preferences. The interactive taste session will also allow people to discover how chefs at Deewater Grange create modified meals without compromising on flavour and presentation. Complimentary refreshments will be available.

In addition to the event, the Chester 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.  

Sally Cooper, Home Manager at Deewater Grange, 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. We’re excited to be opening our doors to the community as part of this year’s Big Dementia Conversation for our event about eating well with dementia, as this is just one area of life that a dementia diagnosis can affect.

“We are looking forward to welcoming local people 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. To find out more, visit careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation

Deewater Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care. The home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, and incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including its own café, bar, cinema, and a hair and beauty salon. 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.