Free dementia support sessions launched for veterans and families at Broughton House

Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford is launching free weekly dementia support sessions for veterans, their families and carers. The drop in service will begin on Wednesday 24 June and will be led by the home's newly appointed Admiral Nurse.

The weekly coffee, cake and conversation sessions will take place every Wednesday from 11am to 4pm at Broughton House Veteran Care Village.

The sessions are open to former members of the armed forces, their relatives and carers, whether they are living with dementia or would like information and support about the condition.

The programme will be led by Admiral Nurse Jacqui Hodgson, who joined Broughton House in 2023 as a household manager before taking up her specialist role.

Jacqui brings almost 40 years of experience in health and social care across the NHS, community services and care homes. She has also held senior roles developing dementia care services.

Her role includes supporting staff providing dementia care, working with residents' families and offering advice and guidance to veterans living in the wider community. The post is supported by the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation, with specialist training and support from Dementia UK.

Jacqui said, "My aim is to make life easier and less overwhelming for everyone involved, helping people feel supported, informed and less alone.

"I work with those living with dementia, their families and carers to help them understand the condition and provide practical advice on managing day to day challenges, from memory loss and behavioural changes to the emotional impact and coping strategies.

"The role also involves working with other professionals to ensure people receive the right help at the right time.

"I am also passionate about educating others about dementia and working to reduce stigma by challenging misconceptions and encouraging more compassionate, informed attitudes towards those living with the condition.

"I hope the drop in sessions prove valuable to our residents, their families and people in the community who are navigating their own dementia journeys."

Karen Miller, chief executive of Broughton House, said, "With a growing need for dementia care among veterans, we are very pleased to appoint Jacqui as our Admiral Nurse.

"Jacqui's many years of experience supporting people living with dementia will strengthen the care we provide at Broughton House, while also helping us extend our reach to veterans and their families across the wider Greater Manchester community.

"Broughton House remains dedicated to meeting the ever changing needs of veterans and their families and, with Jacqui's appointment, we're ensuring more veterans have the opportunity to live well with dignity in their later years."

Broughton House has supported more than 8,000 veterans since opening in 1916. It is the only care home in the North West providing veteran specific residential, nursing, specialist dementia and respite care. Following redevelopment, the site now includes a 64 bed care home, two dedicated dementia households and six independent living apartments.