SEVERAL presentations to raise awareness about dementia and its impact were on the menu at a newly-opened Worcester care home.
Paul Gaskell, director of well-being and dementia care at Sanders Senior Living, delivered a number of 90-minute sessions at the city’s newest care home, The Belmont.
Family, friends and members of the professional community all attended what was an informative presentation for the event, which encouraged lots of open conversation and discussion.
What dementia is and how people can help those living with dementia to live was among the main points of the conversation.
Different ways to support and encourage those living with dementia were presented including cognitive stimulation, life story work and physical, mental and social activity.
The attendees also engaged in empathy exercises to better understand what it’s like living with dementia, which can help in seeing life from their perspective.
How space can be designed in a way that creates a calming, inclusive and sense of familiarity was also a topic of discussion.
“It’s so important those in the community have a welcoming space to feel supported and to come away with the knowledge and confidence to further care for their loved ones,” Paul said.
“At the end of the session, I issued everyone with a range of information and handouts and my business card, inviting them to contact me if they wish any support or advice.”
Customer Relations Manager Tommy Fellows, who organised the event said: “We received such lovely feedback from guests and with such success, we hope to hold sessions like this again soon.
“This event is just one of the ways we are striving to become a pillar of support for the Worcester community,” he added.
