Introducing Our ReConnect Approach To Dementia Care

Dementia can make the seemingly simple task of choosing what to eat become overwhelming. We offer consistency in meal options to help create familiarity and also provide show plates to help those with dementia make an informed meal choice in the moment. Show plates contain samples of all of the meal options they can choose from that day, allowing residents to smell and taste what’s on offer. Our chefs and care workers are on hand to check that they enjoy their meal and can also step in to offer an alternative should they change their mind.

For some individuals with dementia, using cutlery can become challenging. Our chefs have developed cutlery-free meals that are every bit as appetising as our usual meals. The same choices are on offer but the meals are adapted so cutlery isn’t needed. For example, roast lunches can be adapted into miniature Yorkshire puddings filled with roast beef and horseradish, alongside easy-to-pick-up glazed carrots and parsnips with croquette potatoes. Everyday dishes such as lamb and ale pie, or chips, gravy and vegetables can be transformed into miniature pies, larger-cut chips, mangetout and a dipping pot of gravy. The same flavours, nutrition and beautiful presentation is always maintained.

The joy of food is also embraced through our baking and cookery competitions developed in collaboration with our Head of Dementia Care, Jo Crossland and Head of Well-being, Zahid Khan. These competitions are designed to encourage engagement and participation from our residents, irrespective of their physical or cognitive abilities. It’s a chance to have fun and socialise in groups while making jam or fondant flowers, decorating cakes or cutting out biscuits.

Food brings all of our residents and staff together. Mealtimes are a source of comfort, joy and camaraderie at each of our care homes. It’s why our chefs take such pride in delivering exceptional meals all day, every day.

For people living with dementia and their families, confronting their situation and seeking appropriate help can present one of life’s most emotional and challenging experiences. Orchestrating that next step comes at a difficult time with a host of conflicted feelings, complicating what is already a difficult task. Often compounded by a sense of urgency due to a deterioration in the person with dementia resulting in a breakdown in care at home, families at this time face a host of possible options.

The process of choosing the right care home marks the beginning of a huge transition for not only the person with dementia but also members of their family, some of who have held a key role in providing care for their loved one at home.

It may be necessary, but that does not make it easy. Even minor levels of deterioration can spark a sense of panic and placing someone you love in the care of someone else is a leap of faith for many. But we are here to tell you that for the vast majority of people coming in to our care, a happy and meaningful life is what they can expect.

Families quite naturally want to make the absolute best decisions when choosing a care home, to make sure that their relative can enjoy the very best quality of life whilst receiving the care and support that they now need. We know how important it is to support families during this often difficult time so that they can remain as involved as they want to be, whilst coming to terms with the next stage of their loved ones life.

As an organisation we have championed the work of Dementia Friends, a national charity dedicated to helping people understand and address issues surrounding dementia care. Many Avery care homes have staff who are trained as Dementia Friends Champions, and who run awareness sessions for the families and friends of our residents. These champions have already created over 1,000 new dementia friends, and hope to create many more.

At Avery, we are passionate about the way that we support all of our residents and their families, including those living with dementia to live well every day using an integrated, forward-thinking approach to everything that we do.

Because everyone is so different, we want to take the time in person to show you what that could mean for you. The information available on our website is not going to answer all your questions. Instead, it is designed to introduce you to some of the key things to consider when looking at the next steps for a live-in lifestyle that includes being supported with dementia.

We hope to give you an introduction to our philosophy and approach to supporting all of our residents, with and without dementia and their families to be part of the life and community of an Avery Care Home We want to encourage you to take the first steps in achieving the sense of clarity, assurance and relief that you need, by getting in touch with us. In Avery, you have found an organisation that you can move forward with, as a family, as an individual, and in a relationship with us.