On Thursday 12th February, from 2.30pm–4pm, Care UK’s Salisbury Manor, on Shapland Close, 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, and nearly all of those polled (96%) 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 “Staying connected: A guide to dementia-friendly conversations” session at Salisbury Manor will be led by the Customer Relations Manager, Jennifer Ettimari. The event 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 Pearce, Home Manager at Salisbury Manor, 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 Salisbury.”

In addition to the event, the Salisbury 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 about Salisbury Manor and to book your place for the event, please call Customer Relations Manager, Jennifer Ettimari on 01722 567 862 or email jennifer.ettimari@careuk.com.

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Salisbury Manor incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and 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.