A WORCESTER care home has launched a unique video guide to support people whose loved ones have been diagnosed with dementia.
A poll of 2,000 adults carried out by Care UK, which operates Perry Manor on Charles Hastings Way, found more than two thirds of British adults admitted they felt they should know more about dementia.
Launched in response, the guide – One step at a time – A video guide to navigating dementia – is the first of its kind and is split into three sections: Dealing with a dementia diagnosis, Living well with dementia and Supporting the carer. It is the eighth guide to be released by Care UK, following the success of its predecessors – but the first to be available in video format.
Tapping into more than 40 years of experience providing care for people living with dementia, the videos include detailed explanations and practical advice from Care UK’s experts, including Head of Nursing, Care and Dementia, Suzanne Mumford, Managers and team members from care homes across the country, plus residents’ families and carers.
Each section is designed to provide a lifeline for families whose loved one has been diagnosed with dementia by dispelling common myths and helping to shine a light on what it means to live with the condition.
It also includes practical tips from carers to help them understand how they can continue taking care of themselves, but also how their loved ones can go on to lead fulfilling lives after a diagnosis – from keeping active to continuing to enjoy old hobbies.
To celebrate the launch, the team at Perry Manor hosted a range of activities during Dementia Action Week, which included residents taking part in a sponsored one-mile walk to raise money for Dementia UK.
The home also welcomed toddlers from the Debutots for an intergenerational reading session with residents, as well as a visit from some furry four-legged friends from the Lollipop Ponies for an animal therapy session.
Katherine Matthews, home manager at Perry Manor, said: “We’re excited to be releasing our brand-new guide, One step at a time, to support families whose loved ones who are living with dementia.
“As our survey has shown, dementia remains a largely misunderstood condition, meaning a diagnosis is often a worrying and uncertain time for those involved. We designed our guide with this in mind, showing people there are ways to lead fulfilling lives with dementia and sharing our experts’ advice.
“We’d like to encourage local people to watch our guide online or reach out to us directly if they need any support, so together we can create a more dementia-friendly community.”
As part of the launch, Care UK has also teamed up with Alzheimer’s Society ambassador, award-winning journalist and TV presenter Angela Rippon.
Visit careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time for more.
