Help for family carers to ‘understand dementia’ at Kidderminster care home

Home news

May 11, 2015

Help is on hand for family carers in Kidderminster on Wednesday 20 May, when Brook Court hosts a free understanding dementia event.

From 11am to 12.30pm, dementia specialist, Mark Harrison, will share his knowledge and provide practical guidance for those caring for someone living with dementia.

Mark will be looking at the realities of dementia, offering advice on coping mechanisms, and giving a feel for what it might be like to live with the condition. After the event, Mark will also be on hand to answer any questions and members of the public can meet the carers at Brook Court care home in Kidderminster and take a closer look at the care home.

Home manager, Linda Clements, said:  “Recent research undertaken by Care UK has highlighted the challenges faced by family carers looking after loved ones living with dementia.  A survey of 2,000 people throughout the UK showed only 18 per cent of people in the West Midlands felt they would be able to cope if a parent or close relative was diagnosed with dementia, with almost half of all respondents in the region unaware of the support available should they find themselves in the position of carer.

“At Brook Court, we want to open up access to free advice for Kidderminster’s family carers, and the forthcoming understanding dementia event is aimed at making it easier for people in the town to boost their knowledge of the condition and to get a clearer idea of how best to cope with everyday scenarios.

“With 850,000 people in the UK having some form of dementia, we know there is an increasingly strong demand for this kind of support, and we are looking forward to opening our doors on Wednesday for what promises to be an insightful event for the local community.”

Those who attend the understanding dementia event will also be able to pick up their copy of Good to Go. The free guide highlights how important it is for those living with dementia – and their carers – to get out and about, and the emotional and physical benefits of staying active.

Good to Go provides practical advice on how to make the most of every outing, big or small, with words of encouragement volunteered by people working in Care UK care homes, as well as residents and family carers.

For further information or to book a free space at the understand dementia event, please contact home manager, Linda Clements, by emailing linda.clements@careuk.com or telephone 0333 321 0920.