STAFF at a Newton Abbot residential home organised a session to help members of the community understand dementia.

Wolborough Court, in College Road, which cares for some older people with dementia, hosted a Dementia Friends event at Newton Abbot Recreation Ground

Led by Samantha Hayden, registered manager, the event aimed to ‘empower’ community members to understand dementia and support those living with it.

The initiative, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, is a nationwide movement dedicated to increasing awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding dementia.

Through the program, participants learn how their actions can make a significant difference to those living with the condition.

Samantha explained: ‘We treat every resident as we would treat our own mothers and fathers.

‘That same philosophy applies beyond our care home to how we support people in the community. ‘Hosting this session is about sharing that compassionate care with others, helping people understand how they can make everyday life easier for someone with dementia.’

Attendees learned about the challenges those with dementia face including memory loss, communication difficulties, and confusion.

The session offered practical guidance on how to be more patient, compassionate, and helpful, whether in a professional care setting or in casual encounters with people in public spaces.

One participant commented: ‘It really opened my eyes to how simple actions like taking extra time to listen or offering a smile can make such a difference to someone who is struggling with dementia.

‘This was an incredibly valuable session.'

Samantha added: ‘Events like these ensure more people can contribute to creating a dementia-friendly environment.’