Kinglea Court care home in Chingford is shining a spotlight on dementia awareness after 39 residents, team members, and visitors became registered Dementia Friends.
Dementia Friends is an initiative run by the Alzheimer’s Society, offering face-to-face and virtual sessions to help people better understand those who live with dementia.
The group of newly registered Dementia Friends includes 28 staff members, 9 residents, and 2 visitors, all coming together with one shared purpose: to deepen their understanding of dementia.
84-year-old resident and new Dementia Friend, Alan Beavan, said, “The sessions have opened my eyes to what dementia is really like, I feel I can now better understand it and have more patience. I can also help other people to learn more, as I don’t think there is enough ‘real life’ information on dementia available.”
Another resident, 86-year-old Christine Goldsmith added, “Becoming a Dementia Friend helped me to understand more about how people living with dementia may experience the world.
“It was a powerful learning experience, and I feel better equipped to welcome and support people with dementia into our home.”
Lisa Coombs, the General Manager at Kinglea Court, commented, “We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part and became Dementia Friends. Seeing our staff, residents and visitors come together with such compassion has been inspiring.
“Dementia affects so many people, and by increasing understanding and awareness, we can create a more supportive and inclusive community for everyone.”
If you would like to become a Dementia Friend, you can enrol with Kinglea Court by calling 02081 533 556, or emailing [email protected].
