Speedwell Court hosts successful Dementia Awareness Day
Speedwell Court, a dementia-friendly care home for older people in Southampton, hosted a Dementia Awareness Day on Friday 30th May for anyone who cares for, supports, or works with people living with dementia and other cognitive impairments.
With expert speakers from Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS), the NHS and Southampton University, the Dementia Awareness Day offered a wealth of insight, useful tips and information about dementia through a series of workshops and seminars.
Following breakfast, Ewa Sojka, Speedwell Court’s Deputy Manager, gave a personal reflection on caring for people with dementia and how she deals with the challenges she faces in her line of work.
Research nurse Leanne Cunningham, from NHS-run Hampshire and Isle of Wight (HIOW) Healthcare, then presented an overview of the Memory Assessment & Research Centre (MARC), an award-winning organisation that helps to better diagnose, treat, and help people live well with dementia.
Leanne was followed by Delphine Boche, Professor of Neuroimmunopathology at the University of Southampton, who delivered a session on neuroimmunology (the study of the interaction between the nervous and immune systems) and neurodegeneration (the process leading to dementia and other neurological disorders).
Leanne and Delphine’s sessions were a clear highlight for the professionals who attended, with one person describing it as a “brilliant update on the latest research.”
The lunch break offered the opportunity for attendees to connect with organisations from the local area, including Speedwell Court, who provide a range of services for people affected by dementia and their carers.
After lunch, an interactive simulation workshop was run by the ALS team, enabling attendees to step into the shoes of someone living with dementia and experience the challenges they face in everyday life. In parallel, Beth Lawrence, the Clinical Lead Admiral Nurse from HIOW Healthcare, discussed her work as a lead dementia nurse in the community.
The day concluded with Val Down, who delivered a presentation on Dementia Friends, a programme run by Alzheimer’s Society, and how one can support people with dementia in their local community by becoming a Dementia Friend.
By attending Speedwell Court’s Dementia Awareness Day, carers and family members of people living with dementia learned how to better help them to live a full life and to retain a degree of independence as their condition develops, and about local services available to support them in their community. Professionals working in the field were also helped to develop a deeper understanding of what their clients go through and explore how they can enhance their services.
One attendee, a resident of someone living with dementia, described the event as “emotional”, and was grateful to have the opportunity to mix with “a variety of folk, visitors and staff” in a “relaxing environment” to learn more about the condition.
Another, who was also a relative of someone living with dementia and a volunteer in the sector said, “I would recommend the day to other professionals and supporters of charities, so they can get a deeper insight [into the condition and see some] rays of hope.”
Speedwell Court holds frequent Dementia Awareness Days, each offering sessions on different topics delivered by distinguished experts, which are run alongside their ongoing successful monthly community lunch club for people living with dementia and their carers.
The home’s Customer Relations Manager, Justine Owen, said, “Our Dementia Awareness Days ensure that Speedwell Court remains at the forefront of dementia care and support in Hampshire.
“I am excited to for community to come together at these events to share the knowledge and insight around dementia that we and others have with local professionals, as well as those who have friends and family affected by the condition.
“These events provide a great opportunity to learn from each other, and the great feedback we receive proves they continue to remain informative, relevant and, for some, a truly invaluable resource.”
Learn more about Speedwell Court
Speedwell Court in Southampton offers residential and specialised dementia care in a comfortable, purpose-built setting. Residents enjoy personalised en-suite rooms, a strong sense of community within smaller households, and diverse activities. The home also provides flexible respite care and delicious, home-cooked meals.
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