The Aldbury opens doors to support Dementia Action Week

Improving awareness of how to live well with dementia is the focus of a week of free community activities at our dedicated dementia care home in Poole.  

The sessions at The Aldbury are all about connecting with the world around us through art, music, gardening and other fun and enriching experiences for those living with dementia.

Complementing the national Dementia Action Week from Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May 2024, The Aldbury programme includes talks, interactive workshops, live music and hands-on sessions in and out of doors.

Home Manager Martin Corrigan said: “As a dedicated dementia care home, we support the message of the Alzheimer’s Society that dementia shouldn’t stop you doing the things you love and you can live well with it.

“The sessions we are hosting here at The Aldbury will help people raise their awareness and understanding of dementia.”

Throughout Dementia Action Week, The Aldbury will be open to the community from 10am to 4pm, with structured sessions at 11am and 2pm each day on specific aspects of living with dementia.

On Monday 13 May, visitors will look at connecting through crafts and art-based activity in the company of Colten Companions. They will guide participants through sessions designed to explore creativity, acquire new skills and have fun.

Music, movement and song will take the spotlight on Tuesday 14 May with guest musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra leading an interactive music session at 11am.

This will be followed by a 2pm session led by fellow musician, performer, composer and teacher Fiona Pritchard, Colten Care’s Music & Arts Partner since 2014.

Fiona, who attended the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and has a Masters degree in Applied Dementia Studies from the University of Bradford, said: “Music plays an important role in our dementia care homes as its connection to memory and wellbeing is incredibly powerful.”

Activities on Wednesday 15 May will highlight The Aldbury’s garden with the chance to plant herbs and fruit and vegetable plants.

On hand will be the home’s dedicated gardener Brett Gill who will explain his work engaging with residents and how time in the garden can stimulate senses and evoke memories that contribute to wellbeing.

Visitors can also meet some birds brought along specially by Dorset-based animal rescue specialist Wildlife in Need, the main charity The Aldbury residents have chosen to support this year.

Home Manager Martin will be joined on Thursday 16 May by Clinical Lead Victoria Smith to speak to families about The Aldbury and the journey into care.

At the same time, visitors can meet Admiral Nurse Kay Gibson, a specialist dementia care nurse who works for Colten Care in partnership with the charity Dementia UK.

Kay will explain her role in providing expert practical, clinical and emotional support to families facing the challenges of dementia.

Alongside Kay will be two representatives from Crisp, the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole carers’ resource, information and support programme.

The week will finish with a Friday focus on addressing the kind of sensory changes that someone living with dementia is likely to experience.

The day will feature interactive sessions centred on hearing, sight, taste, smell and touch.

Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer Elaine Farrer said: “The week of activities is designed to show how we can connect physically, emotionally and spontaneously with people who live with dementia so that they continue to feel valued, cared for and loved.”

Throughout the week, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase homemade crafts and gifts and make donations to the Alzheimer’s Society and Wildlife in Need.

The Aldbury is next door to Alderney Hospital, ten minutes’ drive from Poole town centre. The home’s address is 672-674 Ringwood Road, Parkstone, Poole, BH12 4NA.

For parking guidance, further contact details and more information on the Dementia Action Week activities at The Aldbury, visit Dementia Action Week | The Aldbury Dementia Care Home | Colten Care