Staff and residents at a luxury all-inclusive care home in Reading participated in Dementia Action Week with a series of different activities to spread awareness about Dementia.
Shinfield View, which is part of the Berkley Care Group, brought eight of their dementia residents on the Dementia Walk at Reading Football Ground where they were accompanied by young players from Reading F.C.’s Development Academy.
The walk was a part of an awareness campaign from Alzheimer’s Society, and Reading Community Trust was eager to help people with dementia get active.
The players provided assistance to the residents by helping them up and down the stadium steps, walking arm in arm, and pushing wheelchairs to ensure everyone could complete their laps of the pitch.
Laura McSoley, Activities Coordinator at Shinfield View, said: “As they went around you could hear them talking away and they really were very kind and compassionate towards them. Our residents didn’t stop saying how lovely they all were for the rest of that day.”
Another key event was the Teddy Bears Picnic, held in the home’s garden. The picnic was organised with the aim of educating young children from the local nursery and community about dementia, and the reasons their grandparents might experience memory loss.
Resident John read three books to the children: “The Day Grandpa Bunny Forgot Ben’s Name”, “Big Bear, Little Bear and Dementia”, and “The Memory Book.”
Having heard the stories read to them, and after a short playtime break, the children enjoyed a picnic lunch provided by the home, with residents helping to serve the meal.
Finally, Shinfield View hosted a vintage afternoon tea, supported by health and social care students from Reading College. The students assisted in setting up and running the event, giving them the opportunity to spend time with the dementia residents.
The afternoon included dressing up and playing traditional games such as Dominoes and Cribbage, which the residents enjoyed teaching the younger generation.
Commenting on the event, Jodie Whatmore, General Manager of Shinfield View, said: “Dementia Action Week was a tremendous success for our care home. Our residents loved interacting with the children and meeting new people, which brought them so much joy.
“We are incredibly grateful for the efforts of everyone involved, from the young players of Reading F.C. to the students of Reading College. Their support was invaluable in making these events special.
Raising awareness about dementia is crucial, and we are proud to contribute to this important cause.”
