SUNDERLAND grans are getting glamourous makeovers, with special pamper sessions running for residents of a dedicated dementia housing scheme.
Seafarers Way, in Moor Terrace, is offering a range of beauty treatments, to entertain residents and keep them feeling their best. The treatments, delivered by carers from Housing & Care 21, include hair styling and nail painting, and are offered each week as part of a wide-ranging programme of care and entertainment on offer at the scheme.
The beauty therapy is offered in addition to an almost daily programme of entertainment, including movie afternoons, musical entertainment from live acts and baking classes to ensure that every day is entertaining for residents. Many of the activities organised by the Seafarers Way team are designed specifically for people living with dementia, with reminiscence being a key focus, to help evoke positive memories.
Dale Thompson, director of housing and maintenance services at Inclusion Housing, which runs Seafarers Way, said: “While the activities we organise are designed to be fun and light-hearted, there is also a more serious side to them.
“For people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, activities that remind them of the past are not only entertaining, they also help them to reminisce about days gone by, aiding their recollection of the past.
“Watching old films, getting dressed up as they may have done before an evening out, and baking as they might have done to feed the family, are all ways of unlocking happy memories. And for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, this kind of stimulation can help to improve the ‘good days’ they have.”
One of the residents who enjoys the treatments each week is 83-year-old Mary Minto, who has lived at Seafarers Way for a year.
Mary, who carers describe as ‘a real character’, enjoys having her hair curled and nails painted.
She said: “The treatments are lovely.
“There are lots of activities arranged for us, and this one is really popular with us ladies in Seafarers Way, giving us a chance to get dressed up and feel a bit glamorous for the day.”
Seafarers Way, which opened in September 2014, offers 38 custom-built one and two bedroom apartments, for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Only seven apartments remain vacant. The scheme was commissioned by Sunderland City Council, and is one of nine developments in Sunderland.
Councillor Graeme Miller, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for health, housing and adult services, said: “Sunderland is leading the way when it comes to the care and support we offer to our older people and particularly those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
“Seafarers Way has been held up nationally and internationally as an example of best practice in respect of the care it offers to residents, and the fantastic programme of activities and events it offers is testament to the hard work of the team at Housing & Care 21 in understanding ways in which we can not only entertain, but help our older citizens.
“The partnerships we have formed with experts in their field, like Inclusion and Housing & Care 21 are making such a positive difference to the lives of people in the city, so it’s fantastic to see that brought to life through activities of work like this.”
For more information about Seafarers Way, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/extracare, call 0303 123 1052 or email the scheme manager Reagan Wade at Reagan.wade@housingandcare21.co.uk.
