Local care provider and charity, The Fremantle Trust, supported Alzheimer’s Society in its commitment to making a difference to people’s lives during Dementia Action Week.

This year’s campaign not only served to raise awareness and educate people about living with dementia, but also demonstrated how small actions can have a big impact when it comes to the quality of day-to-day life.

Carey Lodge residential home in Wing held a series of activities to mark the week, including the unveiling of a beautiful mural, designed by art therapist Annie Wilkes. Sue Faulkner, leisure and lifestyle manager at the Trust, wanted to recreate a beautiful garden scene for residents to enjoy all year round within the home.

Sue and Annie co-created the stunning mural with residents, inspired by conversations and reminiscence sessions drawing on a collective love of gardens, flowers and the evocative memories of outdoor life.

Everyone spent time watching Annie as she brought the vision to life in paint and resident, Hilda Holmes, was so enthralled by the process that she joined Annie and spent a good deal of time painting sunflowers as part of the mural. Though a novice when it comes to painting, the experience awakened Hilda’s love of creativity through embroidery, which used to be a hobby of hers.

Hilda said:

The experience was a lovely thing to be a part of. It really is beautiful and cheers me up when I walk by.

The action week also featured a Tovertafel demonstration, which uses light and sound projections to stimulate sensory, physical and cognitive game play. The ‘magic table’ has proved to be beneficial for people living with dementia and everyone who participated in the demonstration enjoyed the experience.

Commenting on Dementia Action Week, Sue Faulkner, leisure and lifestyle manager at The Fremantle Trust, said:

We draw on the latest research in dementia care and translate those insights to provide an innovative activities schedule. We place individual needs and preferences at the heart of everything we do to create meaningful experiences that enhance wellbeing and support a genuine sense of community.