‘The start of a new chapter’ – Hampshire care homes launch new dementia guide

Three care homes in Hampshire 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 Ancasta Grove, in Southampton, Pear Tree Court, in Horndean and Parker Meadows in Fareham, 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 launch, Ancasta Grove and Pear Tree Court teamed up to launch a Dementia Friendly Cinema Club. Every second Tuesday of the month at Ancasta Grove and every last Wednesday of the month at Pear Tree Court between 11am and 2pm older people and their carers can spend quality time together and relax in the homes very own cinema. 

While down the road at Parker Meadows, the team have 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 3.30pm – 5pm on the third Thursday of every month.

Joel Ignacio, Home Manager at Ancasta Grove, said: “Here at Ancasta Grove, 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 Friendly Cinema Club – this is set to be an inspiring afternoon 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

Ancasta Grove, Pear Tree Court and Parker Meadows are state-of-the-art care homes which provide full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care homes have their very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation. 

To find out more about Ancasta Grove, please call Customer Relations Manager, Chris Roby, on 023 9298 2479, email christopher.roby@careuk.com

To find out more about Pear Tree Court, please call Customer Relations Manager, John Mataruse, on 02392 986773 or email john.mataruse@careuk.com

To find out more about Parker Meadows, please call Joe Gould, Home Admissions Advisor, on 01329 889571, or email Joe.Gould@careuk.com