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Teesside elderly enjoy trip to cinema during Dementia Awareness Week

ByEmily

May 15, 2017

A DEMENTIA friendly screening of classic 1956 musical The King and I was shown in Middlesbrough as part of national Dementia Awareness Week.

The rare big screen showing of the five-times Oscar winning film took place at Cineworld Middlesbrough.

The screening was held to coincide with Dementia Awareness Week, which takes place from Sunday to Friday, 14th to 19th May.

The audience included residents, carers and activities coordinators from three Teesside care homes, including:

  • Ingleby Care Home, Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick
  • The Beeches Care Home, Green Lane, Newtown
  • The Gables Care Home, Highfield Road, Middlesbrough.

Dementia friendly screenings enable those living with the condition to attend the cinema in a safe and comfortable environment, providing opportunities to get out and socialise.

Tickets are available to everyone but the shows are enhanced to suit the needs of those with dementia.

During the film, low lights are left on inside the auditorium, the soundtrack volume is reduced and it is acceptable for audience members to express themselves.

The staff on duty for these screenings have also become dementia friends to help provide support before, during and after screenings.

Carol Singleton, home manager for Ingleby Care Home, said: “Everyone enjoys a trip to the cinema, including our residents.

“For those living with dementia, seeing and hearing films they recognise from earlier in life can elicit memories and have a therapeutic effect.

“Everyone who went to see The King and I really enjoyed themselves.

“Our thanks go to Cineworld Middlesbrough for continuing to run these dementia friendly screenings. Our residents are already looking forward to the next.”

By Emily