A pioneering village for people with dementia has officially opened its doors and welcomed a number of new residents from Havering.
The Brentwood Care Centre, located in Pilgrim’s Hatch, held an event to celebrate the official opening of Windsor Village on Monday.
The village boasts a wide range of activities and spaces designed to stimulate the people with dementia – including a school, a beach area and a music venue.
Explaining the idea behind the village, dementia care manager Jane Hare said: “It provides the stimulating and interactive environment for people with dementia to engage and to maintain their independence.”
One of the main attractions to the village is the ‘Tovertafel’ – also known as the ‘magic table.’
The technology consists of a projector which hangs down from the ceiling and displays an image on to a white table, such as a pond with fish swimming.
The image on the table responds in real time to the interactions of the guests, for instance, creating waves and bubbles if the guests touch the pond water.
“It’s wonderful when you see their faces,” added Jane, commenting on the guests’ use of the technology.
“Yesterday one man just came alive and his whole body language just changed.”
Another corner of the village is home to a music room with instruments residents can play at leisure.
“We had a resident last week who just picked up the guitar and started playing it,” added Jane.
Residents can also dance at a music venue which plays classics from the 50s, 60s and 70s; get their hands dirty cultivating the garden; or design experimental new outfits in the fashion corner.
Six residents from Havering were welcomed to the village last week from the Romford Care Centre, which is also owned by care company RCH.
The village also facilitates opportunities for the residents to engage in the local community.
Giving the example of one Havering resident, Jane said: “One man likes to go down to the pub and have pie and mash for dinner with his wife and a member of staff.”
To find out more about the village email: dementiacarespecialist@rancare.co.uk
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