As part of a nationwide initiative, a care home in Horndean is inviting local people to its free dementia advice event.

It will take place on Wednesday, February 26, from 11am-12.30pm at Care UK’s Pear Tree Court on Portsmouth Road.

The special event is part of The Big Dementia Conversation, a nationwide initiative designed to show people how to better understand common symptoms and live well with the condition.

Aimee Sparks, Pear Tree Court home manager, said: “When an older relative starts acting out of character or forgetting things, it can be a worrying time for family members.

“Most people cannot confidently differentiate between signs of old age and symptoms of dementia – nor can they picture leading a meaningful life once diagnosed.

“We want to change this, which is why we’re thrilled to be taking part in the Big Dementia Conversation once again by hosting our own free advice event.

“We’d like to encourage the local community to join us; together, we can build a more dementia-friendly Horndean.”

While general awareness of dementia has improved, data from Care UK shows two-thirds of people who have a relative living with the condition (62 per cent) initially put their symptoms down to old age. Many Brits remain unaware of the ways older people can lead meaningful lives with the condition, prompting Care UK to relaunch its Big Dementia Conversation for the second year running.

The ‘Let’s Talk About Dementia’ session at Pear Tree Court will be led by community dementia expert Abi Gill and will shine a light on some aspects of dementia that are often overlooked, as well as why a loved one might be behaving differently and how to support someone living with the condition. Complimentary refreshments will also be available.

The Horndean community can also visit a newly launched online advice hub. The hub includes in-depth conversations with families of people living with dementia, as well as expert advice from Care UK’s dementia specialists.

To find out more about Pear Tree Court, or to book a place at the event, call customer relations manager John Mataruse on 023 9298 6773, or email [email protected]