Kate Adie Opens Sensory Garden At Dorset Retirement Community

BBC journalist and presenter Kate Adie has just opened a new Sensory Garden in the grounds of local retirement community, Somerleigh Court in Dorset.

The legendary journalist and presenter opened the new garden, intended for use by the Somerleigh Court residents, particularly those with a diagnosis of dementia, in the presence of the retirement community’s highly acclaimed team of nurse and care staff this week.

LifeCare Residences, the owner operators of Somerleigh Court, started planning and fundraising for the 14 month project in summer 2014. Since then donations have flooded in as a result of the efforts of residents, relations and staff that have helped organise fundraising events, including a garden fete hosted by the residents and a bingo evening. Not forgetting the help received from more than twelve local companies, who generously donated materials and services during the project.

The day’s proceedings were marked by a double celebration; thanking all those involved in the funding and building of the garden, and also applauding Somerleigh Court Nursing Home’s latest achievement.  The retirement communities nursing home has just received the Gold Standards Framework’s Quality Hallmark Award at Beacon Status, with an outstanding 50 out of 50 score, the highest level, for their end of life care.

Beverly Lockhart, Manager at Somerleigh Court comments, “The sensory garden project will provide Somerleigh Court residents with their own quiet, safe and tranquil haven, where they will be encouraged to spend time enjoying all the wonderful scents and sounds that nature has to offer. This is all part of the high-quality care and support we provide residents with here at Somerleigh, in order to constantly improve their well-being through new initiatives.”