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

A new care home in Market Harborough has launched a unique video guide to support people whose loved ones have been diagnosed with dementia – and made a generous donation to a local organisation.

A poll of 2,000 adults carried out by Care UK, which is currently building Oat Hill Mews, on Leicester Road, 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.

To mark the launch, the team at Oat Hill Mews has presented local charity, Dementia Harborough with a £500 donation, to help support their efforts to make Market Harborough more dementia-friendly. The funds will enable the charity to continue supporting family carers in the local community; through stimulating activities, information sessions and various social events. Mark Evans, Customer Relations Manager at Oat Hill Mews, will also be volunteering with the charity over the next few months and providing hands-on support with ongoing community projects.

The guide itself taps into more than 40 years of experience providing care for people living with dementia, with videos including 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.

Susanne Stevens, Home Manager at Oat Hill Mews, said: “Thousands of people each year are diagnosed with dementia, which can feel confusing for those diagnosed as well as their loved ones – which is why we’ve created our new guide, ‘One step at a time’.

“Once open, we hope to become a true community hub, supporting family carers in the area, and also ensuring we create a more dementia-friendly Market Harborough by working closely with local organisations. That’s why we’re thrilled to be supporting Dementia Harborough; the work they do in the community is vital, and we hope our donation will go a long way. 

“We’d like to encourage local people to watch our guide online or reach out to us directly if they need any support.”

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 Oat Hill Mews, please call Customer Relations Manager, Mark Evans, on 01858 390 039, or email mark.evans@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, the new care home, which is set to open in October later this year, will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities.