Epsom Beaumont staff arranged a reminiscence virtual reality therapy session The residents’ likes and interests were taken into account before they were shown a VR film tailored to their personal interests. The films are shot in 360 degrees to make the experience more immersive. Headsets are then placed over the residents’ eyes so they can glance in any direction to get a different view.

There are a variety of things that provide us with purpose and pleasure. For a person with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia condition, the need for a good quality of life is not diminished. However, without some assistance from family and care givers, their ability to achieve purpose and pleasure is much more difficult. Flower arranging is an excellent activity for our residents with dementia. It can be done sitting or standing, at a table, at a bedside, or from a wheelchair. It is simple, provides cognitive and sensory stimulation, can help preserve motor skills, and instills a sense of ownership, independence, and accomplishment.

Hairdressers styled a revolution in Epsom Beaumont. A recent study by researchers from the universities of Manchester and Stirling found that there could be greater integration of hairdressing and other appearance-related services into the broader therapeutic objectives of dementia care. It’s all about individuality. The study observed people with dementia in care-based salons, as well as accompanying hairdressers on home visits, over a period, and found hairdressers provide sensory cues and help reignite memories. Our hairdressers often have close relationships with our residents and can act as 'keepers of stories', reminding them of forgotten details, as well as offering emotional support.

Staff and residents paid their respects to the Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh on the day of his funeral, 17th April 2021.  The whole home came together to honour Prince Philip’s long and extraordinary life of service to the Queen, the British people and the Commonwealth over his 73 year marriage to the Queen, making him the longest-serving Consort to any British monarch.

Residents and staff watched the televised service that took place at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle and observed the minute’s silence in memory of the Duke. After the ceremony, staff and residents discussed their memories of Prince Philip and the Queen and what the royal family has meant to them over the years. They reminisced about royal tours and the Duke’s contribution to many different aspects of British life.

We all felt it was really important to mark this occasion. Prince Philip achieved so much over his 99 years. We wanted to come together and give thanks for his life and to celebrate his many achievements.

Epsom Beaumont got ready for Easter by joining a virtual afternoon of chocolate-fuelled fun along with the staff and residents at over seventy Barchester care homes across the south of England The team and residents put on their best Easter bonnets and broke out the Easter eggs for an afternoon of fun activities, culminating in the Barchester Big Easter Quiz. Everyone at the home is grateful for this lovely opportunity and would like to say a big thank you to Natasha Lazovic, Managing Director at Barchester Healthcare, for organising this Easter quiz, enabling all homes across the south of England, Jersey and the Isle of Wight to celebrate together virtually.

Easter is a special time for our residents – four days together to get out and about and enjoy spring. But how can our team make the most of the holiday to support our residents living with dementia? Easter eggs are not only wonderful to eat, but decorating them can also be a fun way to spend time and start conversations Our teams love Easter: it is a special time, as many of the traditional activities can trigger memories and reminiscences, which inreases well being, especially for those living with dementia. And we make a point of not forgetting the importance of this religious festival for those of faith who wish to celebrate with a virtual visit this year.