The Vision

Here at the DC, we get many requests for more information about the Dementia Cafe. The number one query is ‘when will it be open?’ Followed by, ‘what’s it going to look like?’ The honest answer is we’re not 100% sure what the future holds but what we can share is our ‘vision’ for the charity i.e the core concept behind some of our key themes. Now, I don’t know about you but I absolutely love a mood board! They’re free-flowing, creative spaces that enable you to really hone in on your target market, be it for a new product launch, a fragrance or how you want your dementia-friendly venue to look once completed! Currently, looking around the DC office I can see around ten, and if you still don’t believe in the power of the mood board then I urge you to check out Why Mood Boards Matter.

Throughout today’s post, you’re going to see pictures of four different mood boards, each focusing on a specific theme or idea that we’d like to incorporate into the Dementia Cafe itself. Now, we also have plenty of other ideas, super fun slide anyone? But like any project the DC is constantly evolving and our plans alongside it. Our founder, Emily-Jane Stapley, probably has a better idea than anyone having had the layout/feel of the building in her mind’s eye for a long time now! Mind you, thanks to our recent focus on sensory design/importance of sensory items we feel very strongly about having a permanent ‘sensory display’ as well as a mock-up room for anyone who’s looking for ideas on how to decorate their loved one’s environment.

Photo Credit: Emily-Jane Stapley

Structure:

What this first mood board aims to showcase are the structural elements we’ll be including in the building. From having a light, airy and spacious entrance/cafe area, to the natural flooring and soft, neutral colours. It’ll be a modern, dementia friendly space with plenty of glass for the sun to shine through, along with eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable faux wood. We’re also dedicated to providing a service that’s actually appropriate for those with cognitive issues, as well as being 100% suitable for those in wheelchairs or who may struggle to walk long distances. We know how hard it is for someone with dementia to follow a conversation at the best of times, let alone in a loud, noisy hall or reception area so bespoke seating will also be provided.

The Dementia Cafe will not only have chairs/tables that are easy to sit down at but there will also be cosy ‘egg’ chairs and high backed sofas with wider arms / larger seats so families don’t feel like they’re all sitting on top of one another. Everyone is welcome, whether they have dementia or not, and it is our aim to create somewhere that’s designed to be used, where sensory toys are played with and the outside spaces are enjoyed. In short, the building will have a variety of different ‘zones’ so that anyone who’s looking for a quiet chat/time to relax will be able to do so uninterrupted. Yet there’ll also be lots of spaces for people looking to make new friends / join in activities or simply to listen to the chatter in the cafe. Because we’re a 100% vegan, cruelty-free charity there will also be a variety of healthy treats and snacks available for purchase from our friendly, dementia trained staff.

Photo Credit: Emily-Jane Stapley

Well-Being:

We all know how important exercise is for your mental and physical well-being! Even just thirty minutes of physical activity three times a week helps to lower your risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease. It’ll also help prolong your life, keeping you healthier for longer and, should you have dementia, can delay the condition for quite some time. Note, that I said delay, instead of cure as sadly dementia is terminal however it’s entirely possible to live well with dementia as long as you pay attention to your mind and body. Yes, it’s all very well going swimming, dancing, cycling and even walking but you need to keep your mind sharp too. Crossword puzzles or Sudoku are excellent ways of keeping you mentally healthy and so is taking up a new hobby like gardening, cooking, learning a new language or even taking a computer course.

Once opened, the Dementia Cafe will feature the latest sensory technology as well as having a variety of games and activities for visitors to enjoy. We will also be looking to hold coding sessions, and show older people that it’s now easier than ever to get online. The DC team are huge believers in positive energy, as well as always making sure that we interact with the person – not their dementia! To this end, we will look to incorporate all kinds of sessions including Namaste hand massage, music, and art classes as well as giving visitors the chance to spend time with our furry friends! As the DC is a 100% vegan, a cruelty-free organisation we see all animals as friends, not food. Which means, in time, we’ll have DC pet pigs alongside our other residents!

Photo Credit: Emily-Jane Stapley

Natural Beauty:

Did you know that many of our long-term memories are linked to sounds, and smells? Here at the DC we are dedicated to making sure that everyone knows just how important the senses are when living with dementia. For instance, a soft, fluffy toy doesn’t provide just visual comfort but also creates a lovely physical sensation as you stroke the item. Now imagine that the toy was scented, perhaps with a dash of a loved one’s favourite perfume or something calming like lemon or lavender? Naturally occurring scents are some of the best, and it’s super easy to bring in a potted plant or spray some scented mist on a pillow! Being environmentally aware doesn’t just change how you feel about recycling either, it also helps you become more in tune with nature itself. It’s well known that even a tiny bit of gardening can often ease stress/anxiety and that helping your loved one plant their favourite flowers might bring back a past memory.

Just fifteen minutes of sunshine a day gives us our much-needed dose of vitamin D, while a walk or drive out in the fresh air helps to focus the mind and ‘blow the cobwebs away’. It is firm our belief that every care home/nursing home should have an outdoor space for visitors and residents and so the Dementia Cafe will absolutely have a garden. We intend for it to be a fully interactive experience, and 100% wheelchair accessible as well as having numerous water features and other items that draw the eye.

Photo Credit: Emily-Jane Stapley

Toys & Games:

We’ve spoken a lot in the past about how important it is for those living with dementia, no matter what the stage, to have plenty of human interaction throughout the day. Everyone likes to know that they’re being thought about, and even if it’s just a ten-minute conversation about the weather it’s better than nothing! It’s also good if they have something or lots of things to play with while you’re not there or if you’ve nipped out the room for a minute. Lots has been written about why toys/dolls are pleasant for those living with dementia but not so much about how loved ones feel buying them in the beginning.

While buying soft toys, and ‘touch me’ baby books from say John Lewis or Mothercare may seem a little odd for grown-ups, they’re actually perfect for your loved one with dementia because they’re brightly coloured and simple to understand. Mind you, you may feel a little strange doing so but that’s completely natural, and we’d like to say that as long as the toy in question provides fun, laughter and comfort does it really matter what age it’s ‘supposed’ to be aimed at?