Two care homes in Sutton Coldfield are inviting the local community to their free dementia advice events.
Care UK’s Bishops Manor, on Jockey Road, and Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road in Four Oaks, will be holding special sessions 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 10 people (39%) said they avoid visiting relatives with dementia because of how difficult it 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 Reach Out Café at Bishops Manor on Wednesday 4th February from 5pm to 6pm will explore how a journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and how to live positively with the condition. Thomas Bampfield, Home Manager at Bishops Manor, said: “We’re committed to creating a welcoming environment and supporting our local community by enabling people to build support networks.
“Our Reach Out Café offers a relaxed space for people to meet others experiencing similar challenges while benefiting from guidance and advice from our expert team.” The ‘Staying Connected: a Guide to Dementia-Friendly Conversation’ session at Mercia Grange on Tuesday 17th March from 2pm to 4pm will be led by dementia expert Susan Ashcroft.
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 McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, 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 Sutton Coldfield.” In addition to the events, the Sutton Coldfield 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 and designed to help relatives overcome communication barriers and interact more easily and confidently with loved ones living with the condition.
