‘Understanding Dementia Workshop’ Hosted for the Community at Parris Lawn Care Home

Parris Lawn Care Home in Ringmer recently hosted an ‘Understanding Dementia Workshop’ – an engaging and educational experience for friends, neighbours, relatives of residents and anyone in the neighbourhood who wanted to learn more about dementia.

Team Training Adapted for Members of the Community

Caring Homes is a leading provider of dementia care and the continued training and education of its teams is hugely important – as is sharing their expertise with those in the wider community who would benefit from knowing more. The group’s dedicated Dementia Trainer, Chris Elsley visits every care home to deliver staff training and at the same time, commits to hosting a workshop for caregivers, families and members of the local community whose lives have been affected by dementia.

There was a great turnout at Parris Lawn where both familiar faces and first-time visitors were welcomed to the home. Chris’s accessible and interactive workshop is designed to encourage a deeper understanding of dementia, demystifying the condition and offering tools to improve the quality of life for those living with it. Attendees were guided through key topics, including the different types of dementia, early signs and symptoms, and the importance of creating a supportive environment.

Attendees Share Positive Feedback

The feedback was incredibly positive. Simon contacted the team at Parris Lawn to say, “Very useful to keep on top of things as I support my parents (my father has Alzheimer's) as we now all live together. Chris was very informative and the participation I think helped put things into perspective”

Several attendees said that the workshop had helped them feel more confident and prepared in their interactions with loved ones affected by dementia. Elizabeth told us how she found this useful:

“Sadly, my sister was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease earlier this year. She lives about 60 miles away, so we are not able to offer daily help, but it was very useful to hear suggestions about how to support her when we visit and particularly when she comes to stay. We chat on the phone every day and the advice on how to deal with repetitive conversations was particularly helpful.”

Immersive Experiences Give Insight Into Living With Dementia

Part of the evening was geared around helping attendees to better understand what it feels like to live with dementia through immersive experiences. Using tools and devices to simulate the distortion of vision, touch, and sound, Chris guided people as they experienced some of the discomfort and disorientation that can accompany dementia. It was enlightening for many, including participant Jason who said, “Chris definitely knows her subject and was a great tutor. It has really opened my eyes about dementia, and I have learnt a great deal”.

Chris has spent many years working with dementia patients and their families and highlighted the importance of community involvement in dementia care. "Workshops like these are essential for building a community that is informed and compassionate towards those living with dementia. By understanding the condition better, we can create a more supportive and empathetic environment for everyone involved."

Hosting the event, the Parris Lawn team felt a real sense of community and purpose in being able to offer such valuable insight in a relaxed and inclusive environment. Customer Relationship Manager, Jesse reflected, “It was lovely to see some familiar faces, make new friends and welcome people into our home, all whilst sharing stories, gaining knowledge on dementia and dining on the delicious nibbles put on by our catering team.”

If you have any questions or need advice on the subject of dementia, feel free to contact our Customer Relationship Manager Jesse, who will be happy to direct your questions to Chris.

Dementia Specialist Care Home in Lewes

Parris Lawn Care Home, located in the village of Ringmer in Lewes, East Sussex, has established itself as a home of excellence for outstanding dementia care. The care home provides a safe and supportive setting for people living with dementia, encouraging independence, dignity, and wellbeing.

For more information about Parris Lawn Care Home and its dedication to dementia care, please visit our dedicated page for more information. You can also find information on our other dementia specialist care homes by exploring our site. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more.