‘The start of a new chapter’ – Basingstoke care home launches new dementia guide to support families

A care home in Basingstoke has launched a unique video guide to support people whose loved ones have been diagnosed with dementia.

A poll of 2,000 adults carried out by Care UK, which operates Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, found over two thirds of British adults (67%) admitted they felt they should know more about dementia.  

Launched in response, the guide – One step at a time – A video guide to navigating dementia – is the first of its kind and is split into three sections: Dealing with a dementia diagnosis, Living well with dementia and Supporting the carer. It is the eighth guide to be released by Care UK, following the success of its predecessors – but the first to be available in video format. 

Tapping into more than 40 years of experience providing care for people living with dementia, the videos include detailed explanations and practical advice from Care UK’s experts, including Head of Nursing, Care and Dementia, Suzanne Mumford, Managers and team members from care homes across the country, plus residents’ families and carers. 

Each section is designed to provide a lifeline for families whose loved one has been diagnosed with dementia by dispelling common myths and helping to shine a light on what it means to live with the condition. 

It also includes practical tips from carers to help them understand how they can continue taking care of themselves, but also how their loved ones can go on to lead fulfilling lives after a diagnosis – from keeping active to continuing to enjoy old hobbies.

To celebrate the guide, Dashwood Manor has launched a new Dementia Café. The relaxed, informal café provides an opportunity for carers, families, and people living with dementia to drop into the home for a break, a chat and to meet others in a similar situation to them.  

The café will run from 10.30am – 12.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month.

Dil Perera, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “Here at Dashwood Manor, we always try to highlight the ways we can support those living with dementia and their loved ones – and Dementia Action Week gives us the perfect opportunity to do so.

“In addition to releasing our new guide, One step at a time, perfectly tailored to support families whose loved ones have been diagnosed with dementia, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our new Dementia Café. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming local people for inspiring mornings of information and guidance – and would like to encourage those who can’t attend to watch our new video guide and get in touch if they have any questions.”

As part of the launch, Care UK has also teamed up with Alzheimer’s Society ambassador, award-winning journalist and TV presenter Angela Rippon. She commented “I understand the feeling that families experience when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. It's a difficult time, and it's easy to feel powerless and alone.

“There are numerous common misconceptions about dementia, and while it may be difficult to receive a diagnosis, it’s important to remember that it can also be the start of a new chapter. 

“I believe that raising awareness about the symptoms of dementia and what it's like to live with the condition is incredibly important. I'd like to encourage everyone to explore Care UK's video guide so that we can all work together to make our society more dementia friendly.”

To find out more about Dashwood Manor, please call Customer Relations Manager, Leahanne Wilkinson, on 01256 805988, or email leahanne.wilkinson@careuk.com

To access the guide, please visit careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Dashwood Manor, includes space for hobby and leisure activities. Luxury facilities includes a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and bar, and stunning gardens.