Understanding Dementia Workshop Positively Received By Attendees At The Orchard
Caring Homes’ expert dementia trainer, Chris Elsley, regularly runs workshops created especially for family members who want to better understand and support loved ones living with dementia. Also invited to these sessions are people from the local community who, for a variety of reasons, are keen to expand their knowledge and understanding of dementia.
Friends and Neighbours from the Local Community Join Dementia Awareness Session
The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans was delighted to host another of Chris’s Understanding Dementia workshops recently. Organised by Customer Relationship Manager, Natalie, it was held in the evening as part of Chris’s scheduled visit to deliver team training. Among those who joined were employees from BeeKind Services — Karin, Dipika, Clare, Cathy, Louise, and Siobhan — along with St Albans’ Anna Chaplain Maggie Dodd, Reverend Diane Tregale (Vicar at St Paul’s), relative Lynn Cherrill, and resident John Horribon.
Chris’s workshop is designed to provide valuable insight into dementia and also to offer practical advice. The attendees were guided through key topics, including the different types of dementia, early signs and symptoms, effective communication strategies, and the importance of creating a supportive environment. Living with dementia was also brought to life more practically, as attendees took part in activities designed to go some way towards recreating how dementia can manifest itself physically.
Informative, Relaxed Event Generates Positive Feedback
Guests enjoyed a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where wine, refreshments, canapés, and cheese were served, and there were plenty of opportunities to mingle, chat and ask questions.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. The BeeKind Services team described the workshop as “amazing,” sharing how much they had learned and how valuable the session had been. They’re already looking forward to returning and spending more time with Chris. Resident John commented, “I understand dementia and Alzheimer’s so much more now.” Both Maggie and Reverend Diane were inspired to invite Chris to host a similar workshop at St Paul’s in December for their Pastoral Visiting Team.
Chris runs dementia training sessions for teams and members of the local community at all 21 Caring Homes. Here at The Orchard, Chris once again delivered an exceptional workshop on an evening where guests were keen to listen, learn and engage – not only an informative event, but one that emphasised the spirit of neighbourliness within the St Albans community.
Welcome to The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans
Welcome to The Orchard Nursing Care Home in St Albans, Hertfordshire, where we offer high-quality residential, nursing and dementia care in a calm and welcoming setting. Nestled in a peaceful residential area, our purpose-built care home features bright and modern interiors, beautifully landscaped gardens and a range of thoughtfully designed spaces for comfort and relaxation.
From cosy lounges and a hair salon to rooms with private terrace access, every detail is designed with our residents’ wellbeing in mind. Our dedicated care team is here around the clock to support residents with their everyday needs. At The Orchard, we’re proud to provide compassionate, person-centred care in a warm and friendly environment.
