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

Five care homes in Kent have joined forces to launch 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 Foxbridge House, Harrier Lodge, Invicta Court, Montfort Manor and Weald Heights, 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, team members from each of the homes are attending Kent Dementia Showcase to offer their knowledge and expertise to the local community. This free event is being held on Friday 19^th May, 10am-3.30pm at the Maidstone Exhibition Hall at the Kent Showground. 

The drop-in event will cover a number of topics to help people understand what it is like to live with dementia. There will also be support and practical advice on what dementia is and how memories are lost, as well as useful tips on how to overcome communication barriers and discover positive approaches to living with the condition. 

Maria Covington, Home Manager at Weald Heights, said: “Here at Care UK, we are committed to providing support to those in the community who may be caring for a loved one living with dementia – which is why we’re excited to be unveiling our new guide, One step at a time. 

“To celebrate, we’re also inviting the Kent community to a special event – Kent’s Dementia Showcase at the Maidstone Exhibition Hall. We’re incredibly proud of our team members’ expertise when it comes to dementia care, and we hope the community will take this opportunity to join us for an inspiring day of guidance – as well as watching the contents of our guide online.”

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

Foxbridge House, Harrier Lodge, Invicta Court, Montfort Manor and Weald Heights are purpose-built care homes designed to deliver luxury hotel-style comfort for residents, complete with a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and beautiful gardens. The homes are divided into separate residential, nursing and dementia care suites, encouraging close-knit communities where residents can get to know each other, and where people with similar needs can be cared for together.

To find out more about Care UK’s care homes in Kent, please visit: careuk.com/kent