Dementia awareness charity, Reminiscence Learning, has been granted funding by Somerset County Council to operate a respite care service on two days each week for those living with dementia and their carers.
The charity will be making essential improvements to its facilities at the Counting House, Tonedale, Wellington to include a new kitchen area and a lounge to extend the range of services it offers and provide all-day care.
From 1st April the charity will be able to offer activity respite sessions on Mondays and Fridays for those with memory problems or dementia and their carers. The sessions will run from 10am to 4pm and clients will be able to stay for all or part of each day with snacks and lunches available.
Reminiscence Learning’s Emma Green said, “From 1st April we will be opening our doors on a Monday and Friday to provide Respite Activity Sessions with the overall aim of supporting carers and those they care for, including those with memory problems or a dementia.
“Here at Reminiscence Learning we have been providing inclusive community-focused sessions for people with dementia and their primary carers since we registered as a charity in 2003. During this time the we have noticed an increased need for developing support for carers. We are delighted to be able to offer this service and hope it will be really beneficial for both carers and the loved ones they are caring for, improving physical, emotional and mental health and well being for all parties and reducing loneliness and isolation.”
This will be especially good news for Wellington residents caring for those with dementia. The closure of Stratfield House in January meant the loss of a day care centre for 20 elderly people with mental health needs. It was run by Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and offered respite care for up to five days each week. Its closure was opposed by Wellington Town Council.
Fiona Mahoney, Chief Executive and Occupational Therapist, added, “I feel very proud and excited to be given this amazing opportunity by Somerset County Council to expand the unique services our charity already delivers. As a qualified Occupational Therapist, my team and I have been working very hard over the last few months, putting together a programme of respite activities that is both innovative and creative. This will address the needs of the clients accessing the sessions who have memory loss or dementia. We will be supportive to both the client and the family carer and look forward to opening the Respite Activity Sessions (RAS) on Monday 1st April, with a preview Open Day on Friday 29th March. I look forward to meeting you all then.”
