Upcoming Southampton care home shares advice with local community

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

Care UK is also hosting a series of special events across Southampton, 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 Wickets, a new home currently under construction in Southampton, on Banister Road, will provide essential, high-quality dementia care for the local community, as well as residential, nursing and respite care. The home is due to open in December 2025. 

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 Southampton 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 Southampton wishing to attend a Big Dementia Conversation event can do so by visiting Ancasta Grove, in Sarisbury Green, which will be hosting a ‘Typical signs of ageing or dementia?’ session on Tuesday 20th February from 11am-12.30pm.

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 Care UK’s The Wickets, coming soon to Southampton, visit: careuk.com/the-wickets 

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, The Wickets will incorporate plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities.  

Once complete, the new home will feature high-quality facilities, including a cinema, pub and coffee shop. Secure and wheelchair-friendly landscaped outdoor space will include sensory gardens, water features and seating, to allow residents to spend quality time outdoors.

online advice hubThe 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.