Celebrating Dementia Action Week
Residents and their families, friends and carers enjoyed a party and fundraising event held at Westfield House for Dementia Action Week, which ran from 19th-25th May.
The residents’ lounge was cheerfully decorated with bunting, and the lovely sunny weather lit up the room as Karl the singer encouraged dancing and singing along to much-loved classics. Pimms, prosecco and mocktails – and of course a good old ‘cuppa’ – were served through the afternoon. Karl took time to personally serenade those who are less mobile while others enjoyed clapping along.
A highlight was Great Abbeyfield Bake-Off, where staff were invited to showcase their baking skills in a friendly competition judged by a discerning panel. Many rose to the challenge and the resulting homemade and decorated cakes were spectacular. Others had a bit of help thanks to Mr Kipling! After viewing and judging, all the cakes were sold to raise money for the residents’ activity fund.
A raffle – featuring some lovely prizes donated by local businesses including Charnwood Brewery, Tesco, Dunelm, Morrisons and Delta Force Paintball – raised £135 which, coupled with other fundraising events and activities, gave an overall total of £375. The money was put towards residents’ outings to the Aeropark at Castle Donington and Great Central Railway.
160 miles further south in Southampton, the latest in a series of Dementia Awareness Days was held at Speedwell Court, welcoming those who care for, support, or work with people living with dementia and other cognitive impairments.
With expert speakers from ALS, the NHS and Southampton University, the Dementia Awareness Day offered a wealth of insight, useful tips and information about dementia through a series of workshops and seminars.
Highlights included an overview of the Memory Assessment & Research Centre (MARC), an award-winning organisation that helps to better diagnose, treat, and help people live well with dementia, delivered by research nurse Leanne Cunningham; and a simulation workshop run by Speedwell Court staff, enabling attendees to step into the shoes of someone living with dementia and experience the challenges they face in everyday life.
Family members and carers who attended learned how to better help loved ones with dementia to live a full life and to retain a degree of independence as their condition develops, and about local services available to support them in their community. Professionals working in the field were supported to develop a deeper understanding of what their clients go through and explore how they can enhance their services.
Speedwell Court’s Customer Relations Manager, Justine Owen, said, “Our Dementia Awareness Days ensure that Speedwell Court remains at the forefront of dementia care and support in Hampshire.
“It is important to make the community aware that we are keen to share the knowledge and insight around dementia that we and others have, with local professionals, as well as those who have friends and family affected by the condition. These events provide a great opportunity to learn from each other.”
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