A free guide to support people whose loved ones have been diagnosed with dementia has been launched by two Dorset care homes to mark Dementia Action Week.

A survey of 2,000 adults carried out by Care UK, which operates care homes in Dorset, found that 35 per cent of British adults have many questions about dementia – but do not know how to get the answers.

Called ‘Let’s talk about dementia’, the guide follows an easy-to-read Q&A format. It has been developed experts from Care UK, including head of Nursing, Care and Dementia, Suzanne Mumford, and home managers from across the group.

The guide is aimed at those caring for people with dementia and is filled with answers to the questions care home teams across the country have been asked by relatives or members of the community – from identifying the signs of the condition, and interacting with a person living with dementia, to everyday questions regarding diet changes and sleep patterns.

Sensitive issues such as behaviour changes, including swearing and loss of inhibitions are also addressed.

The guide was released to coincide with Dementia Action Week in May.

Home manager at The Potteries, Zita Turner, said: “Dementia Action Week is an important time for those living in the community to learn more about dementia, which is why we are pleased to have released our brand-new guide, ‘Let’s talk about dementia’, to help local people understand what it’s like to live with the condition.

“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, ensuring it provides answers to all the real-life questions we’ve been asked over the years.

“We’d like to encourage local people to download a copy of the guide or reach out to us directly if they need any support, so together we can create a more dementia-friendly community.”

To pick up your free copy of the guide, contact Robin Hill, customer relations manager at Ferndown Manor on robin.hill@careuk.com or call 01202 070799, or Caroline Hearne, customer relations manager at The Potteries, at caroline.hearne@careuk.com or call 01202 069835.

You can also download a digital copy here: careuk.com/letstalkdementia