Free dementia seminar offered to Essex residents caring for a loved one

Home news

Jul 15, 2013

People caring for a loved one with dementia are being offered a free afternoon of advice and award-winning training at Care UK’s Silversprings care home, in Thorrington this Thursday (18^th)

Starting at 12.30pm, the event includes a workshop with Care UK’s head of dementia service Maizie Mears Owens.
Maizie will be leading an experiential workshop, using specially-developed techniques that give carers an insight into how people with dementia experience life.

Karen Stokeld, who manages the home in Tenpenny Hill, said: “My team and I have undertaken an extended version of this workshop and it is very good at explaining why people with dementia may react to events in certain ways.

“This is invaluable, as, if you can understand how someone perceives a situation, for example, a mirror opposite a doorway making a person believe there is someone else in the house, then you can easily change it and make the person feel safer and calmer.”
Participants will also have the opportunity to chat with other carers in the community, the Silversprings team and Maizie over lunch.

Karen said: “Sometimes it really helps to know that you are not alone and that other people have experienced similar issues. It will also give carers the chance for a much-needed break.”
Visitors will also have a chance to pick up a free copy of the Care UK book As Easy AS ABC – a guide to fun activities that increase the wellbeing of people with dementia. For those who cannot attend the seminar, the book can be downloaded from www.careuk.com

This free event is open to all and will take place at 12.30pm on Thursday July 18. Places are limited and need to be booked in advance.
Those interested should telephone 01206 251 962 or email kia.mathieson@careuk.com.