On Thursday 19th March, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Tennyson Grange, on Westmead Road, will be holding a special event 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, 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. 

The home will host a ‘Forget Me Not’ café, giving attendees the chance to meet others, share experiences and access advice and support in a relaxed, welcoming setting. 

Harriet Mensah-Mandley, Home Manager at Tennyson Grange, said: “Dementia is still a taboo topic in many families. People often don’t know how to support a loved one or what to say and do when they begin to show unfamiliar behaviours. 

“We want to be that bridge between families and their loved ones living with dementia. We are here to support you and help you navigate your loved one’s dementia journey with understanding, compassion, and confidence. 

“We’re delighted to be taking part in the Big Dementia Conversation again, by hosting our own free advice event. We encourage the local community to join us so that together, we can build a more dementia-friendly Sutton.” 

In addition to the event, the Sutton 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, the guide is designed to help relatives overcome communication barriers and interact more easily and confidently with loved ones living with the condition. To find out more, please visit: careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation.  

For more information on Tennyson Grange, and to book your place for the event, please call Customer Relations Manager Francois Erwee on 020 3797 2375, email francois.erwee@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/tennyson-grange.  

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Tennyson Grange, incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the home has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents, and it has its very own cinema, hair and beauty salon and café.