Care staff at The Grove Care Home in Grimsby have been putting person-centred care into action by hosting a festive afternoon tea for resident June and her family. June lives with dementia and her family have found it difficult to engage with her during their visits. The staff team understands how important it is to keep communication strong between you and your loved ones living with dementia to retain those special bonds. Research shows that ‘Poor communication may result in high levels of anxiety and depression for the person living with dementia.’- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26554996/
The team at The Grove hosted a special festive afternoon tea especially for resident June, her daughter Carole, Niece Lindy and Lindy’s daughter Gemma. The family always loved going for afternoon tea together, describing it as being ‘their thing to do”. June’s family also commented how they have found food brings them closer together. During the afternoon tea, June was engaged, funny, chatty and bright. Unlike any other visits, the family have had before where she would normally be distracted, walk away or fall asleep.
June loved reminiscing about past afternoon teas she and her family had shared, often held in Lavish hotels. During June’s personalised afternoon tea at The Grove she chose food in the order she always did. Maintaining “must have a sandwich first before the sweet selection”. The family loved their afternoon with June and this new memory they would now cherish. They also commented on how lovely the food was thanking all the staff at The Grove for their effort and for making this happen.
The Grove aims to hold regular afternoon teas to help keep families close to one another, preventing isolation and loneliness. They hope that the initiative will help the families of those living with dementia understand the condition and give them the opportunity to continue to support their loved ones and enjoy family time together.
Home Manager Kelly Lofts commented “We are always keen to find new ways to support residents and their families. Many families find visiting loved ones very challenging, especially as their dementia progresses. By taking the time to talk to June’s family and find out more about her interests and hobbies we’ve been able to find a way to continue to enjoy precious time together”.
To find out more about life at The Grove Care Home or to make an appointment to view the home please contact, Ros Wells on 01472 821127 or email ros.wells@countrycourtcare.com
