Lost for words? Purley care home to host dementia advice event

On Tuesday 31st March, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Amberley Lodge, on Downlands Road, will be holding a special event as part of The Big Dementia Conversation, a nationwide initiative designed to show people how to better understand common symptoms and how it is possible to live well with the condition.

While awareness of dementia has improved, survey data from Care UK reveals families still face challenges when it comes to communicating with loved ones. Nearly four in ten people (39%) said they avoid visiting relatives with dementia because of how difficult it can be, and nearly all of those polled (93%) feel communication barriers prevent meaningful interaction.

To help address these challenges, Care UK has relaunched its Big Dementia Conversation for the third year running, encouraging practical support and greater understanding for families and communities.

The Adjusting to a dementia diagnosis session at Amberley Lodge will be led by dementia expert Barbara Stephens. The event will explore how a journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and how to live positively with dementia.

Azalea Moses, Home Manager at Amberley Lodge, said: “Spending quality time with loved ones living with dementia is incredibly important, but we know many families find it challenging.

“While dementia may affect the way a loved one acts or talks, it doesn’t mean that they can’t have meaningful interactions with others. That’s why we’re delighted to be opening our doors to the community as part of this year’s Big Dementia Conversation to help them break down those communication barriers.

“We look forward to welcoming local people for an informative afternoon of guidance and practical tips, and we encourage those interested to book their space to avoid missing out."

In addition to the event, the Purley community can explore a newly launched online advice hub, which features in-depth conversations with families of people living with dementia alongside expert advice from Care UK’s dementia specialists.

They can also obtain a free guide packed with practical tips to help relatives overcome communication barriers and interact more easily and confidently with loved ones living with dementia. To find out more, please visit careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation

For more information about Amberley Lodge and to book your place for the event, please call Customer Relations Manager, Sean O’Sullivan at [email protected], call 02045 027548 or visit careuk.com/amberley-lodge.

Amberley Lodge has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as respite, and end of life care.