Elder, an award-winning marketplace connecting families with self-employed home carers across the UK, is proudly sponsoring Dementia Disco’s Dance Against Dementia launch event in Manchester. 

Dementia Disco holds free monthly discos for people living with dementia, their carers, friends and family. The charity’s launch event will see 300 people gather in Stockport on Saturday, March 1 for an evening of dancing and entertainment.

The event will be hosted by BBC Radio 5 Live DJ Chris Warburton along with a line-up of artists including Roukaya B, Clint Boon & the Viaducts. 

For Elder, sponsoring the event underpins its ongoing commitment to enrich the lives of people living with dementia.

The latest NHS figures show that 75 per cent of people in Greater Manchester aged 65 or over, who are estimated to be living with dementia, had a recorded diagnosis in November 2024—ten per cent higher than the national average. 

Last year, of the clients that Elder empowered carers to support in their homes, more than 40 per cent lived with dementia. 

According to the NHS, it’s estimated that 80% of people in care homes have dementia or very significant memory problems, but only 5% have access to art and music.

Music can have many benefits in the setting of dementia, such as reducing anxiety and depression, helping maintain speech and language and enhancing quality of life.

Elder Founder & CEO Peter Dowds created the personalised, at-home care platform after his family struggled to find home care for his own Gran, Frances. Towards the end of her life, Frances lived with dementia.

“We saw how keeping Fran engaged with conversation, people, photos and music brightened her life,” Peter said. 

“Elder has chosen to support Dementia Disco so it can continue to bring joy to those living with dementia and create inclusive spaces where families and carers can connect.

“If the time comes when care is needed for a loved one, we want to let people know that quality home care is available and that importantly, they have a choice in who facilitates that care.” 

Founder of Dementia Disco, Kate Darby, said that Elder’s sponsorship would allow her charity to grow and open more free-to-attend discos across Greater Manchester. 

“Elder’s support will help us put on a fantastic night to spread awareness of the work that Dementia Disco does,” she said.

“Our two organisations complement each other so well because many of the people who Elder care for are also the people who would come to a Dementia Disco.”If you have a loved one living with dementia that could use a little support in their home, contact Elder to learn more about our award-winning care.