Community-funded therapy room changing lives at Belong Crewe

Community-funded therapy room changing lives at Belong Crewe

A multi-sensory therapy room made possible by funds donated by local people and from community organisations is having a life-changing impact for people living with dementia at Belong Crewe.

The room uses a projector to create scenes of the night sky, tropical coral reefs and sunsets and transport residents to amazing environments from the comfort of one of its reclining armchairs.

It is designed in accordance with the principles of Namaste Dementia Care, an internationally recognised, person-centred approach to supporting people living with advanced dementia based around creating calming environments and multi-sensory activities.

Accordingly, ‘rummage boxes’ in the room contain fidget toys and items made from textured materials, such as wool, as well as creams for hand massages, to stimulate senses of touch, sight and smell. Bubble tubes, fibre-optic wires and an aromatherapy diffuser add to multi-sensory experiences, while listening to relaxing music.

The Namaste room has seen hugely positive effects for people living with dementia at Belong Crewe, with sessions documented so that support teams can chart the benefits. These include residents feeling more relaxed and showing increased appetite, reduced risk of falls and improved sleep.

Belong specialises in supporting people with dementia. The villages are designed with dementia-friendly principles in mind. All employees are trained in dementia awareness, and the organisation employs specialist Admiral Nurses in conjunction with Dementia UK, who work with families and care teams to equip people with the skills and understanding to better support people with dementia.

Belong Crewe general manager Caroline Anthony said: “You can see a change in the physical and mental health of one resident in particular after enjoying spending time in the therapy room. It gives her the space to relax and unwind in her own time and provides her with a sense of peace, comfort, and the freedom to do what she prefers to do when she is feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated, which people living with dementia can sometimes experience.”

The room was furnished through fundraising activities and funds from Cheshire College South & West for providing work placements for T-Level students.

Caroline added: “I’d like to thank the people whose kind donations have made the therapy room possible.”

Pictured: Belong resident Sylvia Moss and Team Senior Carer Emma Spurrier.