Once a month, Waterfield House care home will come together with other care homes in the Hadleigh community, care providers, and groups, to host a large-scale dementia café.
The first session was held at Hadleigh Nursing Home all things gardening, they had a guest speaker and the residents could plate a hanging basket. The second session was at Waterfield House and we had a garden party with the Hadleigh Ukelele Group.
With new themes each month, the community of Hadleigh and residents from across different care homes and care home groups, can expect to participate in a gardening club, flower arranging, games, and appearances from guest speakers from the industry.
The wide scale dementia café was formed as a community support network for carers and family members who support those living with dementia at home. The café offers an opportunity for the attendees to interact with others living with dementia and provide a safe space to talk through difficult experiences, personally or professionally.
There are 3 care homes involved in the project, including Runwood Homes’ very own, Waterfield House.
Dementia cafés are a supportive space to discuss dementia; the community will also receive professional advice from dementia specialists or listen to stories from other people with shared experiences.
Lindsey Fletcher, Customer Relationship Manager at Waterfield House care home, said: “It’s a fantastic idea, bringing the community together after a couple of difficult years, not being able to socialise and feeling alone. The first session was a huge success, and we hope this will continue to provide a safe, supportive network for the community of Hadleigh.”
Co-ordinator from Hadleigh Nursing Home, Tracey, said: ““I would like to say a huge thank you to Lindsey, Vicki, and the staff for inviting our residents to the ‘Don’t Forget Me’ Community café at Waterfield House. Our residents absolutely loved it and cannot thank you enough for joining us for the ‘Don’t Forget Me’ Café group. Exciting times are ahead.”
For more information on Waterfield House care home, visit: https://www.runwoodhomes.co.uk/care-homes/care-homes-suffolk/waterfield-house
