On Wednesday 11th March from 2pm–4pm, Care UK’s Hartismere Place on Castleton Way 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 ten 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 Spring Memories Tea Dance at Hartismere Place will offer a chance to connect and share memories while picking up simple, practical tips for communicating with people living with dementia. The event will feature musical entertainment from local vocalist Lainey King. 

Rebecca Calver, Home Manager at Hartismere Place, 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 Eye.” 

In addition to the event, the Eye 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 and 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.  

Hartismere Place, rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives. The home provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and the team also operates a day centre that is open to the community throughout the week. 

For more information about Hartismere Place and to book your place for the event, please call Senior Customer Relations Manager Angela Hodge on 01379 888 276, email angela.hodge@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/hartismere-place.