Dementia Action Week has been marked at Royal Star & Garter with events and activities throughout the charity’s Homes.

Residents enjoyed visits, outings, arts & crafts activities and concerts through the week, which runs from May 18-24.

There were also special guests, with Kingston & Surbiton MP Ed Davey visiting the Surbiton Home, and High Wycombe Mayor Majid Hussain dropping in at High Wycombe.

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care and support to veterans and their families living with disability or dementia, from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing.

Kingston & Surbiton MP Ed Davey, who is also the Liberal Democrat Leader, came to Surbiton on Thursday 21 May. He was given a tour of the Home, chatting to residents and staff in the dementia care area. He also took part in a Dementia Action Week art session, joining residents making collages and decorating forget-me-nots, before trying on sensory perception equipment which replicated the physical hardships and challenges people living with dementia endure.

During Dementia Action Week at the Surbiton Home, volunteer and Dementia Friends Ambassador Sylvie gave a talk to residents, relatives and staff at the Home about the effects of dementia and how best to support people living with the syndrome. Afterwards, residents also tried the sensory perception equipment.

In Solihull there was an indoor picnic and pampering sessions, including hand massages. These are popular with residents living with dementia, offering a gentle way to reduce anxiety, combat agitation, and foster human connection when verbal communication becomes difficult.

In High Wycombe, there was a visit to Odds Farm Park, before animals from Arc Farm were welcomed to the Home and held and stroked by residents. Research shows that this can reduce anxiety, boost mood and spark memories. There was an Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain session, and a Kiddleydivey music therapy group. Amersham Museum stopped by with exhibits in a memory box for residents to reminisce over. Out-going High Wycombe Mayor Majid Hussain also visited, to hand a certificate of appreciation to the Home and to help Rita, who lives with dementia, complete a jigsaw puzzle.

Royal Star & Garter’s dementia care focuses on person-centred support, offering care with empathy and understanding. All staff receive dementia training and care staff also have specialist training to deepen their knowledge and underpin their work. The charity’s care has evolved to include new developments in dementia care and the use of technology, which helps improve diagnoses and outcome.

‘Joy, comfort, and connection’

Shirley Hall is Director of Care & Wellbeing at Royal Star & Garter. She said: “Forty percent of our residents live with dementia, and we take immense pride in evolving, innovating and delivering outstanding care for them every day. The concerts and animal visits bring those living with dementia immense joy, comfort, and connection. We see firsthand how music can unlock memories and lift spirits, with residents singing along, tapping their feet, and sharing moments of happiness together. Likewise, visits from therapy animals have created calm, companionship, and a sense of purpose, sparking smiles and engagement even among those who are often quieter. These activities, and all the others we deliver in our Homes, are vital in supporting emotional wellbeing, reducing anxiety, and helping each individual feel valued and understood.”

As part of Dementia Action Week Royal Star & Garter has also published a list of tips for people planning days out with loved ones who live with dementia.

Royal Star & Garter is welcoming new residents. For more information on this, Day Care and the other services it offers to the veteran community, or to work for the charity, go to www.starandgarter.org