As we learn more about this disease, it’s important we remain at the forefront of best practice in order to deliver the most satisfying solution to those living with dementia and their loved ones. Our connections with charities, organisations and educational establishments in terms of research findings and gaining current knowledge is of great importance so that we can be developing the most comfortable, engaging and positive environments possible.
We balance safety and security for our dementia residents with a real sense of home and visual ‘clues’ such as memory boxes and interior signposting to help people navigate their surroundings in a world that is increasingly hard to make sense of. Reminiscence sessions, shared history and musical therapy feature as part of the daily activity schedules, as well as time spent in the fresh air enjoying the sensory gardens and village walkways.
Richmond Villages is very passionate about providing state of the art facilities in dementia care with best practice firmly imbedded at the heart of everything that we do. In early 2020 we will be opening our first Dementia Village taking knowledge from the Dutch model at Hogeweyk and implementing it here in the UK. Richmond Willaston in South Cheshire will be a lifestyle led community with residents living with like-minded peers in small households of only six people.
All Richmond Villages staff have Dementia Friends training run by Dementia Friends Champions, who are trained and supported by Alzheimer’s Society. The training sessions aim to educate and provide a better understanding of the condition, in turn allowing our staff to better support residents and their families living with a dementia.