Shefford launches dementia-friendly drive thanks to Daffodil House

New Meppershall Care Home is proud to have partnered with the Mayor of Shefford, Paul Mackin, to make the town more dementia-friendly.
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As part of its drive to increase awareness about the condition, staff have planned a series of events for the year, with their debut ‘Lifting the Veil on Dementia’ held recently at the home.

The launch was particularly special because the team officially unveiled and named their new 21-bed, purpose-built home, Daffodil House. It is designed to support those living with dementia.

Mayor Paul Mackin said: “I was pleased to be invited to attend the opening of the new dementia unit.

L-R: the Mayor, Daffodil’s manager, two happy residents, New Meppershall’s manager, and the Deputy Mayor. Credit: Craig McGowan.L-R: the Mayor, Daffodil’s manager, two happy residents, New Meppershall’s manager, and the Deputy Mayor. Credit: Craig McGowan.
L-R: the Mayor, Daffodil’s manager, two happy residents, New Meppershall’s manager, and the Deputy Mayor. Credit: Craig McGowan.

“The invitation came just at the time we were planning to make our town of Shefford a ‘Dementia Friendly Town’.

“We are planning training sessions for shopkeepers to make them aware of the signs of dementia that may be affecting their customers.

“The official opening of the new ward came right at the start of our project.”

He added: “A great deal of thought has gone into the setting up of this facility and we hope to work together in the future to try and make life easier and safer for those who are stricken with this terrible situation.”

New Meppershall also had a visit from the ‘Virtual Dementia Tour Bus’, a mobile dementia simulator that allows the user to experience what it is like to live with dementia.

Mary Sebastian, home manager at New Meppershall, said: “I’m so pleased that we were able to host such a wonderful launch for our new dementia unit, Daffodil House.

“Our residents, staff and families were so pleased to be involved in the whole process, from naming their home to decorating the building, and even baking treats for the guests.”

Sharad Saraogi, CEO, said: “We’re delighted to have officially launched our lovely Daffodil House which provides specialist care to those living with dementia. I’m extremely proud of how New Meppershall goes above and beyond to provide outstanding care to our residents and contribute to the local community.

“I’m sure that Daffodil House will be a lovely complement to our fantastic nursing home.”