Life after a diagnosis: Saffron Walden care home to host dementia advice event

A care home in Saffron Walden is holding a free dementia session to encourage the local community to learn more about the condition.

On Tuesday 2^nd December from 2pm–4pm, Care UK’s Bailey Lodge, which opens in February 2026, will be opening its Radwinter Road doors for an event designed to help people better understand the symptoms and deconstruct common misconceptions.

The home will be hosting an ‘Adjusting to a Diagnosis of Dementia’ session with Barbara Stephens, co-founder and CEO of Dementia Pathfinders. She will share insights into how a journey with dementia might unfold and offer advice on how to live positively with the condition while making emotional and practical adjustments along the way.

Abhilash Gopi, Home Manager at Bailey Lodge, said: “Most people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime, whether through their own diagnosis or a loved one’s. We don’t want people to feel alone and unsupported in these times. 

“We understand that being more informed and having guidance can make such a difference to the people who need it, so we look forward to welcoming Barbara to Bailey Lodge and having her share her knowledge on the condition.

“We’d encourage the local community to join us; together, we can build a more dementia-friendly community.”

In addition to the event, the Saffron Walden community can visit The Big Dementia Conversation online advice hub. The portal includes in-depth conversations with families of people living with dementia, as well as expert advice from Care UK’s specialists to learn how to reduce the risks and symptoms of the condition.

Designed to allow residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, Bailey Lodge will incorporate plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, with its own cinema room, hair and beauty salon and pub. The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. Full-time residential and dementia care will be provided, as well as short-term respite care.

Bailey Lodge’s show suite is now open for viewings.