An “inspirational” West of England organisation ensuring older residents in the region and their families are living to the full has set up a new club for locals with dementia in Bristol. Emma Doney, who lost her grandmother to Alzheimer’s, set up Adorno Companions five years ago to provide social support, companionship and other assistance to older people across the region - so they can stay independent, and in their homes.
After going on a West of England Mayoral Combined Authority funded-training course, Mrs Doney has now set up the Adorno Activity Club based in Windmill Hill City Farm. She will explain to the Mayor how the new centre offers fun, friendship, and stimulation for locals with dementia through creative and musical activities, animal therapy sessions, and more.
The idea is to help patients in and around the local area keep their minds stimulated, which doctors say is important, and provide a welcoming space for patients and their carers with staff on hand to offer tailored advice on how they can still live independent, rich, enjoyable, and fulfilling lives. Mrs Doney will explain to the Mayor that it is possible to "live well with dementia despite its challenges" - which is what the activities run at the new centre are all about - when he stops by for a "cuppa and a natta" as well as to get stuck in gardening and planting with patients, and volunteers, on site.
She will go on to explain how her team "absolutely love what we do" and that she "couldn’t be more proud" of her staff providing "much-needed respite and support to loved ones of people with dementia."
Adorno Companions also runs another dementia centre in Winterbourne, are based in Chipping Sodbury but operate across the West of England region through their companionship programme and other assistance, while a recent survey found 100% of its clients surveyed would recommend their services.
Dan Norris, West of England Mayor, said:
“Bravo to Emma and the rest of the Adorno Companions team for all that they do to support dementia patients in and around the West, and, vitally, their families and carers as well.
“This new club and the activities – including their art and crafts sessions, animal therapy, and general chit chat with volunteers - they run on site are absolutely vital in terms of helping the some 4,000-plus people with dementia in Bristol to live well."
The Mayor is urging more people to seek support in getting a dementia diagnosis after surveys show a third of people who notice symptoms don’t follow this up for months. Anyone worried about themselves or a loved one can contact Alzheimer’s Society for support at enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk.
The Adorno Activity Club events run on Tuesdays at Windmill Hill City Farm.
