Happy smiles at our dementia respite group
Published on 01 February 2023 09:36 AM
The older people who attend Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s dementia respite group at Shrewsbury’s Withywood retirement housing complex really enjoy themselves.
You can see it in the smiles on their faces; you can see it in the gentle swaying and the tapping along in time to evergreen crowd-pleasers like Sweet Caroline. As live entertainment, on this occasion provided by popular singer Paul Watkins, keeps members singing along to the hits of yesteryear, there are treats to eat and a seemingly endless supply of tea and coffee.
Later there will be a much-anticipated lunch to enjoy. ‘It’s home-made chicken pie today,’ says Gina Shirley, Wellbeing Services Support Officer for Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, ‘and for afters it’s chocolate sponge pudding!’
Gina, along with her ever-enthusiastic colleagues: coordinators Lisa Nutting, Maggie Meyrick and Neil Brookes, plus volunteers like the “amazing” Gail, are together the driving force that keeps the weekly sessions at Withywood such fun for the people attending. ‘Everyone’s so welcoming,’ explains 85-year-old Maureen. ‘We play games. Sometimes we have a singsong. We all like to chat with each other. It’s really lovely.’
The weekly group provides lively entertainment and good company for older people with dementia while at the same time providing much-needed respite to their carers, allowing them to go shopping, see friends or just take some time out.
To find out more about Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s dementia respite service call us on 01743 233 123 or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk