Between Saturday 18th and Friday 24th May was Dementia Week in Histon & Impington, which focussed on providing physical and cognitive stimulation for the people who live with dementia. The aim of the week was also to educate people about dementia, how it impacts lives and to raise awareness of how to combat dementia, which has recently been announced as the ‘UK’s biggest killer’.
The week-long awareness event began on Saturday 18th May with a plant sale, and proceeds from the sales going to a local village charity which organised this amazing week. The plants on sale had been planted and looked after by the people who live at Etheldred House Care Home, some who live with dementia, so selling the plants in aid of a local charity was a wonderful way to celebrate the work that had gone into growing them. Between the local community, the team at Etheldred, and another care home in the local area, they raised over £500!
Sunday was a family funday, where relatives and friends were invited to join the people living and working at Etheldred House for a dementia friendly family fun day in Histon. The weather was beautiful, so lots of people took the opportunity to enjoy some time in the sun. Whilst at the dementia fun day, people were invited to have a ride on a trishaw bike. This experience was particularly enjoyed by the people who live at Etheldred, as it gave them the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature from the comfort of the trishaw.
After a busy few days, Monday was spent enjoying the weather in the garden at Etheldred House. Activities that would usually be hosted inside were moved outside, which included bingo in the sun! With a packed event schedule for the rest of dementia week, taking the time to rest and enjoy time at home was appreciated.
There was lots of excitement for Tuesday’s event, as local charity, the HI Hub organised an animal experience, giving people the opportunity to meet, feed and stroke miniature donkeys. Many of the people living and working at Etheldred had never seen a miniature donkey, let alone get close to one, so they all enjoyed the opportunity to take the donkeys on a short walk and spend some time in their company.
On Wednesday 22nd May, team members ventured out to support Histon and Impington Hub with their virtual dementia day. The aim of the day was to raise awareness of dementia and give carers, local college students and teachers in the community the opportunity to take part in a virtual dementia experience. This experience emulates the sensory challenges that people who live with dementia can face, developing their understanding of the condition and helping in their approach when supporting others. Team members from Etheldred House were there to support people who took part in this experience, sharing their knowledge, advice and a couple of hugs too.
In the afternoon, team members from Etheldred House set up a stall at the Dementia Services Marketplace. Hosted at the community village hall, team members were there to share information about their roles, how they support people who live with dementia and hand out some of the goody bags they had made up, containing sweet treats and essential items. This provided the team with the opportunity to support their local community and meet some new people in the process.
On Thursday, Etheldred’s Home Manager, Santall, was invited to join a discussion panel called ‘Questions & Dementia’. This forum was set up to support people who live with dementia and their loved ones with advice from professionals and people who have been through a dementia journey with a loved one. Excelcare’s Head of Dementia Care, Ann-Marie Harmer, also sat on the panel and shared knowledge she has gained throughout her 40-year career.
Attendees then heard from Sam, who lives with dementia at Etheldred House, as he shared his first-hand experience. Attendees really appreciated his input and from the stories he shared, it was made clear that people living with dementia can live a fulfilled life. This was an important event that provided vital support to people and their families who have received a dementia diagnosis.
On Friday, a Coffee Morning and Afternoon Tea were organised, with people from the local village invited to join the celebrations. Relatives and friends were invited too, with one person travelling from Ireland to be there. Both of the events invited people to enjoy a hot drink and slice of cake in the Etheldred Café, and the opportunity to see what life is like at Etheldred House. Both events were well attended, and you could hear stories being shared and laughter around the room.
The final event of Dementia Week in Histon was hosted at the local Baptist Church, where members of the community were invited to join in with a singalong, watch musical performances from the choir, and others with musical talents. Sam, who lives with dementia at Etheldred House, used the opportunity to entertain attendees with his piano-playing skills, and happily played along as the choir sang.
Dementia Week in Histon was a huge success. Not only did they collectively raise awareness about dementia in the community but also had some fun and raised money in the process.
If you would like to learn more about dementia, you can watch recordings from our 'Let's Discuss Dementia' webinar series by clicking here.
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