A warm welcome can make all the difference.
When new club members join Kimbrose, it is natural for them to feel nervous or uncertain about what to expect. The same is often true for their carers and relatives. While it is easy to offer reassurance, we understand that settling into something new can take time. What makes Kimbrose so special is our dedicated team, who work hard to ensure every person feels welcomed, valued and at home from the very beginning.
All of our staff are dementia-trained, and we are fortunate to have both a dementia link worker and a dementia lead within the team. Many of our colleagues also have personal experience of supporting and caring for a loved one at home. This combination of professional knowledge and lived experience helps us build meaningful relationships not only with our club members, but also with their families.
Getting to know the person is at the heart of everything we do.
A typical day at Kimbrose often begins with what many would consider the perfect start: a cup of tea or coffee made just the way each person likes it. One of the first questions we ask a new club member is, “How do you take your tea?” It is a small detail, but a very personal one, and it reflects the care we place on getting to know every individual.
Our mornings begin gently, with a warm welcome, a hot drink and some background music. From there, the day may include looking at ‘This Day in History’, enjoying a crossword or word game, or choosing from activities such as arts and crafts, jigsaws and books. As more club members arrive, the day naturally develops into smaller group activities, with some enjoying bowls or skittles while others take part in baking treats for the afternoon.
“Support, friendship and purpose, all in one welcoming place.”
We take time over lunch, creating a relaxed opportunity for club members to enjoy good food and conversation about their morning. The afternoon often begins with a sing-along or some gentle exercise, before moving on to activities such as time in the garden, a walk around the grounds, a game of bingo, or entertainment from a professional singer. Every part of the day is designed to be enjoyable, meaningful and responsive to the needs and interests of those attending.
Nothing is ever too much trouble for our team. They are always willing to learn, embrace new ideas and adapt activities to suit the people we support. Most importantly, everything we do is led by our club members, helping us create days that are not only enjoyable, but also personal, purposeful and full of warmth.
If you or someone you know could benefit from a welcoming, supportive and sociable dementia day care setting, Kimbrose would be very happy to help. Please get in touch with Gloucester Charities Trust to find out more about joining Kimbrose, arranging a visit or speaking to the team.
