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

A care home in Quorn is launching 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 Lonsdale Mews, on Farley 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 mark the launch, Lonsdale Mews is hosting its very first Memory Café on Friday 12^th May, from 10.30am-12am, where local MP, Councillor Jane Hunt, will also be in attendance. This free event is open to people in the community and provides an opportunity to bring along a loved one to join likeminded people for a social get together. The session will also offer a valuable opportunity for individuals caring for a loved one to meet others in a similar position and form support networks, while enjoying music, activities and a slice of cake in a welcoming environment. With places limited, please call to book for the event.

Toby Sturgess, Home Manager at Lonsdale 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’.

“We’re also excited to be hosting a special event for those keen to learn more about dementia at our very first Memory Café session for those in the community.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming local people for an inspiring morning of 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 Lonsdale Mews and book your place at the event, please call Customer Relations Manager, Jenny Cartwright, on 01509 801 587, email jenny.cartwright@careuk.com 

The Memory Café is set to be a regular event at Lonsdale Mews, with sessions to run every month.

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

Lonsdale Mews offers full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite. The home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.