A care home in Godalming is inviting the local community to its free dementia advice event.

On Wednesday 18th March from 12.30pm-2pm, Care UK’s Broadwater Lodge in Farncombe will be holding a special session 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 10 people (39%) said 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 launched The Big Dementia Conversation for the third year running, encouraging practical support and greater understanding for families and communities.

The ‘Staying Connected: A guide to dementia-friendly conversations’ session at Broadwater Lodge, on Summers Road, will be led by Customer Relations Manager, Harris Walker Murphy. The event will explore practical ways to communicate more effectively with people living with the condition, while offering simple strategies to stay connected, reduce frustration and create more meaningful moments in everyday life.

Angela Bookham, Home Manager at Broadwater Lodge, said: “When dementia progresses and a relative begins to experience increasing cognitive impairment, it can be challenging for families and friends to know what to do or say.

“Many people find it difficult to communicate effectively with a loved one living with dementia or to connect sensitively when a family member becomes confused or disoriented. We want to change this, which is why 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 Godalming.”

In addition to the event, the Godalming 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 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.

Broadwater Lodge, rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, provides residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home has been designed to deliver the very best standards while enabling residents to lead active and fulfilled lives, and it has its very own hair and beauty salon, bar and library.

For more information about Broadwater Lodge and to book your place for the event, please call Harris on 01483 944 485, email harris.walkermurphy@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/broadwater-lodge.