Woking dementia café brings support for carers

Home news

Feb 28, 2014

People caring for loved ones with dementia will have a new, regular source of support and information thanks to the team at Care UK’s Kingsleigh care home in Woking.

Every Wednesday, from 12 February, the specially trained team will be holding a dementia café at the home in Kingsfield Road. Between 2pm and 4pm, there will be the chance to have a cup of tea, share experiences and learn more about the condition that affects 800,000 people in the UK.

Deputy home manager Emma Meredith, who, along with her team-mates, is running the café, said: “We are fortunate to have not only a very compassionate and empathetic team but one which is also highly trained.

“We were keen to be able to offer help, support and advice to anyone in the Woking area who is caring for a friend, relative or neighbour with dementia and who may feel alone, isolated and confused about their loved ones’ condition and needs.

“No two people’s dementia develops in the same way and being able to talk to someone really helps. Caring for someone with dementia can be very tiring and isolating. Meeting other carers and relatives not only helps people to cope but it gives them a chance to relax with a cup of coffee and have a light-hearted conversation with people who understand.”

Carers attending the café are welcome to bring the person they are caring for with them. Emma explained: “It can be hard, if not impossible, to leave the house if you are caring for someone with more advanced dementia so we are welcoming the person as well as the carer to the café.

“This ensures that not only do carers get a chance to relax and talk but there is also a trip out for the person with dementia in a friendly environment where their condition is understood.”

For more information contact Emma on 01483 740750 or email her at deputymanager.kingsleigh@careuk.com.