Care UK’s Montfort Manor in Ashford, Smyth Lodge in Sidcup, and Invicta Court in Maidstone will be holding special events as part of The Big Dementia Conversation, a nationwide initiative designed to show people how to better understand common symptoms and how it is possible to live well with the condition.
While awareness of dementia has improved, survey data from Care UK reveals families still face challenges when it comes to communicating with loved ones. Nearly four in ten people (39%) said that they avoid visiting relatives with dementia because of how difficult it can be to connect, and nearly all of those polled (93%) feel communication barriers prevent meaningful interaction.
To help address these challenges, Care UK has relaunched its Big Dementia Conversation for the third year running, encouraging practical support and greater understanding for families and communities.
All three homes will be hosting “Staying connected: A guide to dementia-friendly conversations” events, with Montfort Manor’s event taking place on Wednesday 4th March, from 10.30am-12pm, Smyth Lodge’s event on Thursday 5th March, 2pm-3.30pm, and the team at Invicta Court is hosting their session on Thursday 12th March, 2pm-3.30pm.
The events will explore practical ways to communicate more effectively with people living with dementia, while offering simple strategies to stay connected, reduce frustration, and create more meaningful moments in everyday life.
Tracey Cheeseman, Home Manager at Smyth Lodge, said: “Since we first opened the doors to our care home, we’ve been committed to making Kent a more dementia-friendly place.
“We know it can feel daunting when a loved one is diagnosed, and families can find it challenging to communicate or provide support. That’s why we’re taking part in the Big Dementia Conversation: to offer practical advice and guidance that helps people communicate in ways that bring joy to loved ones living with dementia, while also enriching the experience for friends and family.”
Sara Barbosa, Home Manager at Invicta Court, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming local people to our events and helping to build a community-wide support network for all those impacted by dementia in Kent.”
In addition to the event, the Kent community can explore a newly launched online advice hub, which features in-depth conversations with families of people living with dementia alongside expert advice from Care UK’s dementia specialists.
They can also obtain a free guide packed with practical tips to help relatives overcome communication barriers and interact more easily and confidently with loved ones living with dementia. To find out more, please visit careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation
For Montfort Manor’s event, please call Customer Relations Manager Niki Young on 01233 884619 or email niki.young@careuk.com
For Smyth Lodge’s event, please contact Customer Relations Manager Rebecca Marchant on 01732 809189 or email rebecca.marchant@careuk.com
For Invicta Court’s event, please call Customer Relations Manager, Jaime Jukes on 01622 807994 or email jaime.jukes@careuk.com
Care UK homes offer residential, dementia and nursing care and short-term respite care in luxurious surroundings, ensuring that residents can lead active and fulfilling lives. The homes have their own cafés, hair and beauty salons, bars and cinema rooms, and the highly trained, professional teams deliver an excellent standard of person-centred care.