At Willow Bank Residential Home, they believe that education is the key to serving a better understanding of dementia and breaking down the stigma often associated with it. Through a variety of community-focused initiatives, they are committed to engaging people of all ages in learning about dementia and how it affects individuals and their families.
Dementia Café: Bringing People Together
Willow Bank’s regular dementia café events have become a cornerstone of their community outreach. These gatherings provide a welcoming space where residents, their families, friends, and dedicated staff can come together for informal discussions over tea, coffee, and homemade desserts prepared by their kitchen team. The café serves as a relaxed environment where people can ask questions, share personal stories, and learn more about the realities of living with dementia. With an increasing turnout at each event, it’s clear that the local community is eager to support and learn more about this important cause.
Dementia Awareness Talk: Educating the Wider Community
Continuing their mission to raise awareness, Willow Bank will be hosting a Dementia Awareness Talk at Pershore Town Football Club on 13th October. Led by Willow Bank’s Dementia Lead, Paul, this talk will offer valuable insights into dementia, its impact, and how individuals can better support those living with the condition. They invite everyone from the local area to attend this informative event and become part of the conversation around dementia awareness.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Residents are particularly excited to welcome Years 9, 10, and 11 students from Pershore High School to Willow Bank this month. During their visit, the students will have the opportunity to experience life in a fully residential dementia care setting. Staff will be on hand to answer any questions, and they hope this visit will inspire the next generation to become advocates for dementia awareness and understanding.
Active in the Digital and National Community
In addition to local efforts, Willow Bank is also active on social media, where they regularly post about dementia-related topics and share the latest news. Taking pride in participating in national charity events, raising much-needed funds for dementia research and care services. An online presence and community involvement ensure that they are continuously contributing to the fight against dementia on a wider scale.
Holistic Care Approach
At Willow Bank, they know that music, dance, and independence are key to helping residents live well with dementia. Residents regularly engage in activities that encourage them to reminisce about their past, often sharing cherished memories through photographs and stories. These moments of connection are vital for maintaining a high quality of life for residents, ensuring that they feel supported, understood, and valued every day.
Fighting the Stigma Surrounding Dementia
“Stigma is a negative, unfair, or inaccurate belief or stereotype that people hold about something. Typically, a lack of awareness and understanding fuels these misconceptions,” says Carole Hall, Home Manager at Willow Bank. “At Willow Bank, we are passionate about educating our community to fight this stigma and show that people living with dementia can absolutely live well and thrive.”
Join Us in Raising Awareness
Willow Bank Residential Home is more than just a place of care – it is a hub for dementia awareness, advocacy, and education. They invite you to join them in their efforts to build a more inclusive, understanding community. Whether through attending one of their events, following their social media updates, or simply learning more about dementia, together, a difference can be made.