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

A care home in Witney has 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  Millers Grange, on Curbridge 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. 

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, Millers Grange is inviting the community to attend its Friendship Café on Tuesday 16^th May from 2pm-3:30pm. The café provides families and carers of those living with dementia a chance to chat to the home’s expert team, share experiences with one another and make new friends. The home team will also be joined by Dementia Oxfordshire and the Mayor of Witney, Councillor Liz Duncan, who will be joining to show their support.

Alison Parry, Home Manager at Millers Grange, 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’ll also be hosting a special event for those keen to learn more about dementia – we’re thrilled to invite the community, along with Dementia Oxfordshire and Councillor Liz Duncan, to our Friendship Café where our expert team will be on hand to share advice. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming local people for an inspiring afternoon of information and 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 Millers Grange or book your place at the event, contact Customer Relations Manager, Mark Young, on 01993 764730 or email mark.young@careuk.com

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

Millers Grange is a modern care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and end-of-life care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.