Ridgeway Rise Gets Involved with Dementia Action Week

The 16th of May saw the beginning of this year's Dementia Action Week, an annual awareness campaign run by the Alzheimers Society and in association with other organisations. This year's theme was 'diagnosis' and the week-long events were curated to help encourage people to 'act on dementia'.

Ridgeway Rise Care Home commenced its involvement in the week by attending a Dementia Information Expo event held by The Swindon Dementia Action Alliance. With the aim of making Swindon a more dementia-friendly community, many organisations from the Swindon area including Ridgeway Rise, Wiltshire Police, and Zurich were present at the expo to raise awareness and highlight the support that is available for those living with dementia in Swindon.

It was clear from the event that there were several people who are just at the start of their dementia journey, and having just been diagnosed, felt a little bit left in the dark and unsure what to do next. The expo was great in highlighting what options are out there for people and offering information, guidance, and most importantly reassurance that those diagnosed and their close circle of support are not alone in this.

The Police Community Offers in attendance learned how to approach a person who is showing signs of dementia, such as issues with comprehension, confusion, and appearing to be lost or upset. The Deputy Mayor and MP also made an appearance, further highlighting that Swindon officials are making a huge effort to support Swindon in becoming more dementia-friendly.

It was great for Ridgeway Rise Care Home to attend, meet people face-to-face and be able to talk about all the amazing work that the home does day in and day out for its residents including those with dementia.

Ridgeway Rise Care Home is proud to provide dementia care in Swindon, and are huge advocates in offering support, care, understanding, and friendship to those living with dementia and their families.

On Thursday 19th May, The Swindon Dementia Action Alliance also organised an Afternoon Tea Party amongst other events, which Ridgeway Rise sponsored and attended alongside some of its residents. The event saw over 100 guests, including the current Mayor of Swindon who came and joined in with the party, taking to the dancefloor with other attendees.

There was live music from Misha Dawn and our own Activity Coordinator, Alla, was entertaining guests with her piano. It was an absolutely brilliant atmosphere where people danced, laughed, made new friends, and indulged in tea, sandwiches, and retro sweets (including coconut ice and chocolate mice!).

This was Swindon's prelude to its Jubilee Celebrations and it was an absolute please for Ridgeway Rise to be a part of. We can't wait to get involved with other events in the community and continue to raise awareness for dementia.