A Space for the Senses: Dementia Care Home Opens New Sensory Room

Residents living with dementia at Chirk Court Care Home in Chirk near Wrexham, have benefitted from the addition of a welcoming and calming sensory space. The home’s Sensory Room, which opened at the end of September, funded by a community grant from The Cadbury Foundation, has offered residents and staff a place to relax, connect, engage their senses and enjoy all that the new environment has to offer.

Thanks to a generous community grant from the Cadbury Foundation’s ‘Your Charity, Your Choice’ scheme, Chirk Court was chosen to receive £5,000.

Manager Jane Humphreys knew immediately what would be of most benefit to the 66 residents at the home.

Explained Jane: “Many of our residents are living with dementia, so the opportunity for them to engage with sound, touch, light and familiar and tactile objects can really enhance their everyday lives. We’ve provided sensory activities at Chirk Court for many years; but the opportunity to create a dedicated Sensory Room is a dream come true.

“We’re incredibly thankful to the Cadbury Foundation and to Ian Evans who works at the local Cadbury factory, for nominating Chirk Court. The staff and I have worked hard to get the room finished and the completed space is fabulous.”

Nicola Hughes, Activities Coordinator at Chirk Court said: “It’s wonderful to see the residents benefit from the sensory room. We can tailor the experience to the residents’ individual needs, with enough room to accommodate wheelchairs or beds.”

Continued Jane: “Many of our residents are living with dementia, which can make it difficult to communicate, so these opportunities for connection, social engagement and joy are incredibly important. We’re delighted to be able to provide this experience for everyone who lives at Chirk Court.”