During Dementia Action Week 2024, Country Court and Devika Dementia Day Centre will celebrate and reflect on a successful partnership of almost two years. The Devika Dementia Day Centre first launched at Castor Lodge Care Home in Castor, Peterborough in August 2022. The service offers people living with mid to late-stage dementia weekly activity sessions and provides respite for carers. The sessions give service users a new lease of life through the formation of new friendships.
The sessions are run by Caroline Ignatius who named the company after her mother, Devika, 77, who has lived with dementia for the last 12 years but is now ‘close to requiring palliative care’.
“We have found that people have access to a lot of activity sessions in the community when they are first diagnosed with dementia However, when they get to a stage where they require help with personal care or behavioural challenges, their options become limited. They are not able to attend the activity groups like they used to, and this puts a strain on their carers and support network.” Caroline said.
A family member whose loved one attends the day centre at Lyncroft Care Home said, “He had such a great day today. So much so, he slept for an hour on top of the bed when we got home and is currently asleep again on the couch. I predict a quiet night ahead. Thanks again and I will see you next week.''
Devika Dementia Day Centres are now hosted at Country Court Care Homes across the East Midlands. Hermitage House Care Home in Thrapston, Ferrars Hall Care Home in Huntingdon, Lyncroft Care Home in Wisbech, Fenchurch House Care Home in Spalding and Castor Lodge Care Home in Castor near Peterborough all host successful weekly day centres. The sessions take advantage of the dementia friendly facilities at Country Court care homes including craft and activity rooms, secure outdoor areas, bistro cafes and pubs. A light lunch and refreshments are provided for attendees.
To mark Dementia Action Week Lyncroft Care Home are hosting a Dementia Café on Thursday 16th May at 10.00 am – 12.00 noon. Everyone is welcome to join residents and staff for a chat over a cup of tea and freshly baked cake. Residents at the care home will also enjoy a week of dementia friendly activities including celebrating ‘World Cocktail Day’ and learning the importance of good hydration on Monday. Brain games, gentle chair exercises and trips out will follow later in the week.
