On Wednesday 18th February, from 3pm-4.30pm, Care UK’s Milner House on Ermyn Way, 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 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. 

The “Adjusting to a dementia diagnosis” session at Milner House will be led by the home’s Customer Relations Manager, Rachel Laurence. The event will explore how a journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and how to live positively with the condition. 

Chanuka Kaluthanthri, Home Manager at Milner House, said: “Since we first opened the doors to our care home, we’ve been committed to making Leatherhead 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. 

“We are looking forward to welcoming local people to our event and helping to build a community-wide support network.” 

In addition to the event, the Leatherhead 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 more information about Milner House and to book your place for the event, please call Customer Relations Manager, Rachel Laurence on 01372 888 374, email rachel.laurence@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/milner-house 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Milner House incorporate plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.