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

Care homes in Windsor and Slough 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 Mountbatten Grange, on Helston Lane, and Oak House, on Forest Close, 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, Mountbatten Grange donated two digital radios to Wexham Park Hospital for their day rooms. 

While Oak House residents and team members in their knitting club have been crocheting forget me not flowers. The team have been selling these to family members and the community to raise money for dementia charities.

Debbie Winwood, Home Manager at Mountbatten Grange, said: “Here at Mountbatten Grange we always try to highlight the ways we can support those living with dementia and their loved ones – and Dementia Action Week gives us the perfect opportunity to do so.

“In addition to releasing our new guide, One step at a time, perfectly tailored to support families whose loved ones have been diagnosed with dementia, I’m thrilled to announce we have also donated two of digital radios to Wexham Park Hospital. 

“We had a fantastic time hosting fundraising activities – including the radio donation – and we’re thrilled to be able to enable them to continue to support the local community.”

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 Mountbatten Grange please contact Customer Relations Manager, Tracey Van Zyl, on Tracey.VanZyl@careuk.com, call 01753 307978 or to find out more Oak House please contact Home Manager, Agnieszka Klimkowicz-Buda, on agnieszka.klimkowicz-buda@careuk.com 

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

Mountbatten Grange and Oak House care homes provide residential, nursing and short-term respite care, as well as specialist dementia care. The homes enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence. Mountbatten Grange and Oak House have their own café, hair and beauty salon and cinema.