Woodley Grange host a special dinner party for Sheila & friends

The activities team at Woodley Grange have been working hard making dreams come true for our residents with our Wish Maker initiative. When the team asked Sheila, a resident living with dementia, what her wish would be, she replied with a simple answer – “dinner with my husband”. Unfortunately, Sheila’s husband passed away some time ago.

The death of a loved one is difficult for anyone, but it’s particularly challenging when someone is living with dementia. For us, it’s extremely important that we’re there to support our residents emotionally, through the ups and the downs, and provide vital companionship.

Unable to fulfil Sheila’s wish, the activities team at Woodley Grange wanted to do something extra special for Sheila by organising a dinner party for her to enjoy with some of her friends at the home.

As staff at Woodley Grange are well aware, socialising has great benefits, especially for residents living with dementia. Expert-led research has shown that engaging in conversations and keeping mentally active, delays and even prevents the cognitive decline associated with dementia. Socialising with friends can also improve mental health, focus and create a stronger sense of inclusion and stability.

Whilst Sheila couldn’t spend time with her husband, she was surrounded by her close-knit community that provides her with support and companionship.

To make the evening extra special for Sheila, the team cooked some of Sheila’s favourite food – chicken soup, roast chicken and ice cream sundae.