‘The start of a new chapter’ – Edinburgh care homes launch new dementia guide to support families

Care homes in Edinburgh have 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 Cairdean House, Lauder Lodge and Murrayside care homes, 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 mark the launch, Murrayside is hosting a Dementia Information event on Friday 19^th May, from 11am-12.30pm. This free event is open to the local community and will cover a number of topics to help people understand what it is like to live with dementia. The session will be led by team member and Dementia Champion, Evelyn Heron, who will provide support and practical advice on how to identify the signs and symptoms and how to care for a loved one living with dementia.

The team at Cairdean House is hosting a charity table tennis tournament and will be donating money raised to Dementia UK. Meanwhile, Lauder Lodge will be opening its doors to family members as the home holds its second Dementia Café on 10^th May, led by Dementia Ambassador May Espallardo.

Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, said: “Here at Murrayside, we are committed to supporting families through their dementia journey – which is why we’re thrilled to be unveiling our latest guide, One step at a time.

“Despite recent advances and awareness campaigns, dementia remains a very misunderstood condition, which is why it can be overwhelming for families when a loved one is diagnosed. We’re here to help, and to show that people living with dementia can still lead fulfilling lives – but also to remind carers to look after themselves too. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so we’d like to encourage local people who may be going through this experience to watch our guide online or reach out for support.

“As part of the launch, we’re also excited to welcome the community into our home for our Dementia Information event – this is set to be an inspiring morning of guidance, and we’d like to encourage those interested to book their space to avoid missing out.”

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

For more information about Cairdean House, Lauder Lodge or Murrayside, please visit: careuk.com/edinburgh

Cairdean House, Lauder Lodge and Murrayside care homes have been specially designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care homes incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities, and have their own cinemas, hair salons and cafés.