A Bracknell care home will host a dementia information event next week to help people better understand the symptoms.
Bickerton House’s Adjusting to Dementia day aims to support Bracknell families whose loved ones are living with the disease.
The event is part of Care UK’s nationwide initiative to raise awareness, provide support and encourage discussion about the condition, and is designed to help people better understand common symptoms as well as learning how it is possible to live well with the condition.
Awareness of dementia has improved, yet survey data from Care UK reveals that 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 that can be, and nearly all of those polled (96%) feel communication barriers prevent meaningful interaction.
To help address these challenges, Care UK has launched The Big Dementia Conversation for the third year running, encouraging practical support and greater understanding for families and communities.
The ‘Staying Connected: a Guide to Dementia-Friendly Conversations’ session at Bickerton House will be led by customer relations manager Chantel Baigent and Dementia Care coach Ralueke Ekezie.
The event will explore practical ways to communicate more effectively with people living with dementia, while offering simple strategies to stay connected, reduce frustration and create more meaningful moments in everyday life.
Michael Pallister, home manager at Bickerton House, said: “When dementia progresses and a relative begins to experience increasing cognitive impairment, it can be challenging for families and friends to know what to do or say.
“Many people find it difficult to communicate effectively with a loved one living with dementia or to connect sensitively when a family member becomes confused or disoriented.
“We want to change this, which is why we’re delighted to be taking part in The Big Dementia Conversation again by hosting our own free advice event.
“We encourage the local community to join us so that together we can build a more dementia-friendly Bracknell.”
In addition to the event, the Bracknell 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 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 the condition.
Bickerton House has been designed to encourage residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment.
The care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, and features a bar, cinema and hair and beauty salon.
Its dementia awareness event will take place at Bickerton House, Warfield Road, on Wednesday, February 4, from 5pm until 6.30pm.
For information, and to book a place for the event, people should call: 01344 989943, email: chantel.baigent@careuk.com, or visit:
