1 minute read
Residents enjoy ‘stepping out’
from Caring UK April 2023
by Script Media
RESIDENTS of Colten Care’s dedicated dementia home The Aldbury in Poole are enjoying the stimulating music and sing-alongs provided by a monthly community tea dance.
The Aldbury residents attend the ‘Stepping Out Community Tea Dance ‘ which is run by ex-professional ballroom dance company Shall We Dance at the Broadstone War Memorial Hall. The event is sponsored by Douch Family Funeral Directors.
Companionship team leader Sue Miles said: “Stepping Out is an entertaining and extremely valuable tea dance run for local people including those living with memory loss and their carers.
“Our residents have been attending for the last nine months and thoroughly enjoy themselves, especially Joan Perrin and Phyllis Haiyne, who are both former ballroom dancers.”
“We are immensely grateful to the Douch family, which provides this and many other groups and activities within the community including lunch events, book clubs and also Knit and Natter.
“Indeed, the Knit and Natter Club recently donated 20 colourful lap blankets for our residents and they were over the moon to receive them.”
Registered manager Jen Roberts said: “Our residents had a wonderful morning with the volunteers from The Game Change Project, who brought lots of lovely animals to interact with.
The lambs went down particularly well and the residents took it in turns to feed them milk from a bottle.
“We love welcoming animals into the home and this is the latest pet therapy visit. Everyone finds it very soothing to be close to animals and to stroke their fur.
“Last year, we had two friendly alpacas into the home, which were also a big hit.
“We’ve also got a therapy dog called Jess who pops in every week and we’ve arranged for some donkeys to visit in April.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming The Game Change Project back to our home on a regular basis.”
The Game Change Project is a not-for-profit organisation based on a small holding in Powys which supports young people to develop essential life skills, raise their aspirations and build their confidence.
