Dementia or simply old age? Upcoming Saffron Walden care home shares advice with local community

As part of a nationwide initiative, Care UK, which is currently building a new care home in Saffron Walden, on Radwinter Road, is offering free advice to help people better understand dementia. 

Care UK is also hosting a series of special events across Essex and the wider UK 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.  

Dementia care is a core offering in Care UK homes, and the home currently under construction in Saffron Walden, which is set to open in spring 2026, will provide essential, high-quality dementia care for the local community, as well as residential and respite care. 

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 Essex community is being encouraged to 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.

Those in Essex wishing to attend a Big Dementia Conversation event can do so at Mountfitchet House in Stansted, where a ‘Dance for Dementia’ session is being hosted on Thursday 20th February, from 5pm-7pm. Attendees will have a chance to reminisce and enjoy stimulation of the brain through movement, and the team will also be on hand afterwards to offer support and guidance on how to live well with dementia.

Suzanne Mumford, Head of Dementia and Lifestyle at Care UK, said: “Awareness of dementia has improved, but many people still struggle to confidently differentiate between signs of old age and dementia.

“Understandably, it can also be a worrying time when a loved one starts acting out of character or begins to display symptoms of dementia. Yet, reaching out for support early on can make a world of difference – whether it’s speaking to an expert about how to manage symptoms or simply connecting with families who may be in a similar situation.

“That’s why we’re relaunching our Big Dementia Conversation for the second year running. We must continue to raise awareness of the condition and its symptoms in order to become a more dementia-friendly nation.”

For more information on Bailey Lodge, visit: careuk.com/bailey-lodge 

Designed to allow residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Care UK’s new Bailey Lodge care home will incorporate plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, with its own cinema room, hair and beauty salon and even a pub. The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. Full-time residential and dementia care will be provided, as well as short-term respite care.