Edinburgh care homes to host dementia advice events
Three care homes in Edinburgh are inviting the local community to their free dementia advice events.
Care UK’s Cairdean House in Colinton, Lauder Lodge in Portobello and Murrayside in Corstorphine will be holding special sessions 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 (96%) 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 will take place at Cairdean House on Tuesday 10th February from 2pm–3.30pm and at Lauder Lodge on Saturday 28th February at 2pm–3.30pm.
Led by the homes’ dementia champions, the events 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.
Angela Burns, Home Manager at Cairdean House, said: “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.”
Anees Riaz, Home Manager at Lauder Lodge, added: “While dementia may affect the way a loved one acts or talks, it doesn’t mean that they can’t have meaningful interactions with others.
“We’re looking forward to opening our doors to the community for an informative afternoon of guidance and practical tips and to help break down those communication barriers. We encourage those interested to book their space to avoid missing out."
Murrayside’s dementia champion, Jitin Baby, will be hosting A Dementia Conversation on Tuesday 3rd March at 10am-11.30am. The event will explore how a journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and how to live positively with the condition.
Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, said: “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 that helps people communicate in ways that bring joy to loved ones living with the condition.”
“We encourage the local community to join us so that together we can build a more dementia-friendly Edinburgh.”
In addition to the events, the Edinburgh 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.
Cairdean House, Lauder Lodge and Murrayside have been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The homes have been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. There is also plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.
To find out more about the homes and to book a place at one of the events, please visit careuk.com/care-homes/locations/edinburgh.