A fundamental idea that we hold dear at Wardington House is that our residents are free to choose how they want to live their lives. We want them to maintain their individuality and control their lives. This may involve some risk, but our experience is that the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. For example, having our doors open all the time so that residents can walk around the gardens and grounds on their own may put them at risk of falling, but it also maintains their mobility and balance. Research shows that gardens improve people’s mental health in many ways.
Our resident’s choices start when they wake up. Some people will be early birds and want to get up at 6.00 am. Others may want to sleep in till 11.00 am. Whenever they wake up our staff will be on hand to offer help, if needed, to choose what they want to wear that day. Most people with dementia like the company of others, so most residents will spend their days in one of our sitting rooms. Our sitting rooms are interconnected and bustle with activity. It’s a bit like being in the concourse of Heathrow airport. There is always something going on and always staff in the sitting rooms. Staff make sure everyone has what they want, be it a newspaper or magazine to read a crossword to help with or a cup of tea and a chat.
We offer activities tailored to each individual as well as visiting entertainers and musicians. We have a chicken house in the garden. Some residents go out to feed the chickens and collect their eggs. Others spend time either walking around the garden or sitting on the verandahs with a drink.
Many residents will make friends with other residents and our staff. Visitors are welcome and pets and children are always popular.
Watching television has lost its appeal for most of our residents. However music is always welcome.
Residents choose when they want to go back to their rooms in the evening. Some night owls may still be up at midnight. Drinks and snacks are always available.
