A Knowsley-based housing organisation, which has two leading extra care developments for customers with specialist needs, is spearheading a range of initiatives ahead of Dementia Action Week, which runs from 20 – 26 May.
Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) runs Bluebell Park in Huyton, offering 122 one- and two-bedroom apartments and The Watchfactory in Prescot, consisting of 54 apartments and 16 bungalows. As well as on-site care facilities both developments offer specialist dementia assistance from vintage black and white film afternoons which help residents take a trip down memory lane; summer, Christmas and Halloween parties, singing classes and the use of a therapy ‘robo’ cat, which has sensors, so it can respond to petting and hugs.
Ahead of Dementia Action Week, Martina Devlin, Head of Independent Living at KHT, has organised a week of events including a healthy living session with nutritional food, dietary tips, chair-based exercises and advice about socialisation.
The Housing Trust also supports the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme, which aims to transform the way people think about the condition and how they can help. Bluebell Park and The Watchfactory also encourages some residents to become Dementia Friends Champions, these volunteers inspire others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in the community.
Leann Hearne, Group Chief Executive of Knowsley Housing Trust (part of First Ark Group), said:
“We fully support those living with dementia and have developed two sites around residents’ needs which encourage positive friendships and a sociable environment. These developments offer on-site care providers, 24/7 emergency assistance and regular events which engage residents with interesting activities to support their memories.
“We’ve seen some great results with our programmes of activity and our residents who are suffering with dementia have now formed friendships that challenge social isolation and stimulate a sense of purpose.”
Bluebell Park and The Watchfcatory include a dementia friendly communal lounge, assisted bathrooms, a launderette, on-site care provision, wheelchair access throughout, a door entry system, a pamper room and 24/7 emergency assistance.