Beccles Care Home Creates Nostalgic Shopping Lane to Boost Resident Wellbeing
A family-owned Beccles care home has built a dementia-friendly shopping lane to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of its residents.
Wellbeing Care’s St George’s care home, based on its namesake road in the Suffolk market town, launched the shopping lane initiative following the success of its recent implementation at its Lowestoft sister home, The Dell.
Noticing a significant improvement in resident wellbeing since its opening in early 2022, the management staff at Wellbeing Care decided to additionally create the nostalgic shopping lane at St George’s to enhance wellbeing and evoke higher levels of happiness among residents.
Inspired by key elements of the traditional British High Street, the new, dementia-friendly shopping lane comprises a fresh flower shop, a mini grocery store and telephone booth, alongside a new coffee area in the dining room that encourages residents to catch up with loved ones over tea and cake.
By undertaking familiar tasks, such as visiting the newsagents or purchasing fresh ingredients from the local store, residents can maintain a sense of independence and normalcy, which has proven exceptionally beneficial for residents with dementia.
The shopping lane has already received positive reviews from residents, with Lee Page, 94, saying: “This has really brightened the home – we can look in the windows at all the lovely flowers and fruit.” Fellow resident Maureen Bellsham, 86, noted how she loves the colours and enjoys walking past the windows, whilst the family and friends of residents have complimented the corridor’s décor.
Commenting on the shopping lane initiative, Joy Henshaw, Registered Manager of Wellbeing Care, said: “Following the success of our shopping lane at The Dell care home, we decided to launch the shopping lane across our other care homes too.”
“The initiative has already proven successful, as residents have reported feeling more independent. It is clear that the shopping lane provides a higher sense of self purpose, subsequently improving residents’ confidence and self-esteem.”
Elaborating further on the benefits, Joy continued: “The shopping lane facilitates social gatherings, as residents can now arrange to meet up with friends, fellow residents or family members in a secure, controlled environment. We hope the increased social activity will help combat resident loneliness, which has been heightened nationally due to the recent lockdowns and restrictions.
Joy concluded: “We look forward to continuing seeing our St George’s residents react to the improvements we are making, as well as the subsequent effect it has on their happiness and wellbeing.”
