We are dementia friendly | News from Oakwood Court

Did you know we are a dementia friendly organisation?

This means we strive to support people to live well with dementia. Today is the first day of Alzheimers Awareness Month so we thought we'd share some of the things we do in our care home sunny moments activity club to give residents a brighter life:

Jade, our Activities Co-ordinator at Saxonwood Care Home in Battle explains: "We have an array of activities, for example, we have a reminiscence ball we throw to each other and discuss interesting topics featured on the ball. Not only is this great exercise, but it also sparks exciting conversations about years gone by.

"We create personalised memory boxes with our residents to celebrate their past experiences, jobs, hobbies, and family. Residents love having these on the wall outside of their bedroom to help them remember where their room is, and we also love creating the boxes with them as it helps to get to know our residents and everything they've done in their lives. We also enjoy stimulating all of the senses and our aromatherapy and pampering sessions particularly heighten our smell and touch, as well as creating a relaxing atmosphere.

"We find many residents enjoy cuddling soft toys, whether it's their favourite cat or dog, teddy bear or doll. They give comfort and company. Residents enjoy talking to these toys and stroking their soft fur. All of these activities support our residents' wellbeing and we continue to be creative and bring new ideas to our activities to support our residents to live well with dementia."

Many members of staff at Sussex Housing & Care are 'Dementia Friends' and we work closely with the Alzheimer's Society to share information to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia. Here is some more information about how we are dementia friendly.

For more information about the Alzheimer's Society please click here.