Meaningful occupation and mealtime experiences

We want to ensure that the time your loved one has with us is an enjoyable one – and part of that is becoming integral to our vibrant community.

People with dementia are happiest doing the things they know and we put real thought into linking activities to an individual’s life story. This is about encouraging our residents to continue their passions and we will support them in doing so. This could be anything from flower arranging to painting, baking or simply watching a favourite television show.

Avid gardeners will find tools at the back door so they can potter around the grounds. Keen artists will have paints and paper on hand should they feel inspired. Those that enjoy cooking will be encouraged to attend one of our popular baking classes.

We try to create a huge variety of activities to suit different tastes, whether it’s watching old movies in the onsite cinema or a day by the seaside. Our community is a great opportunity for residents to connect, enjoy their time together and make firm friends.

Keeping occupied is key, and as well as activities, residents get involved in daily domesticity. Carpet sweepers and dusters are available in the lounge for those that feel the urge to polish and sweep. We even stage laundry days where socks need to be paired or clothing needs folding. These are great opportunities for those with dementia to be reminded that they are useful.

Some of our activities:

• Gardening
• Indoor flower craft
• Visits from local entertainers, fitness instructors, dancers and musicians
• Trips to museums or shows
• Baking classes
• Poetry sessions and discussion groups on a variety of topics including current affairs and culture
• Quiz nights
• Tea dances
• Themed events, like a St Patrick's Day lunch or Valentines Day Dinner

Eating experience 

It can take time, patience and a bit of extra thought to encourage those with dementia to eat, particularly as the illness can have a big impact on their appetite.

We are highly skilled in this area and take the pressure off by making each mealtime a special event - ultimately whetting the appetite. This could be by getting the cookbooks out to prompt discussion or encouraging residents to help with laying the table as those with dementia often find comfort in familiar domesticity. Rather than handing out menus, we show the prepared meals plated up to give a better idea of the food options on offer. 

We know that dementia sufferers can suffer weight loss. They may forget to eat or become less able to use utensils independently, have difficulty in swallowing, medication might affect their appetite or depression might lead to a loss of interest in food. We adopt different approaches to alleviate this. We ensure there is colour contrast between the food and plate, serve one meal at a time, and in small portions, as piled up plates can be off-putting. Offering finger foods is a great way of helping residents maintain and recover eating skills, boosting self-esteem and independence, allowing them to eat at their own pace. Staff eat with residents, so can provide assistance whenever required.

Our dementia residents often experience a change in taste and may suddenly start rejecting food they have always loved. They might want unusual combinations, like mixing sweet and savoury or eating dessert before the main course. Flexibility is key and our catering staff respond to a range of needs. Eating times are very important, for example, people tend to be less tired in the morning so it’s a good opportunity to ensure nourishing food is eaten.

As those living with dementia are constantly on the move, snacks are laid out and nutritious drinks are readily available, so they can graze and recoup their energy.