The Presbyterian Church in Ireland – PCI opens its first dementia-friendly garden at Corkey House. Corkey House is PCI’s residential care home for older people in north Belfast. It has become the first of its care homes to have its own purpose built dementia-friendly garden.
Run in partnership with Choice Housing Association, Corkey House is home to 35 older people. While many of the residents do not have dementia, the garden has been specially designed to provide a relaxing and safe place for those who do.
The garden incorporates many features. These include highly fragrant and colourful plants which provide sensory stimulation. Also safe pathways which will mitigate injuries from potential falls and raised bedding areas for residents to garden themselves.
Rev John Seawright, convener of the PCI’s Older People’s Services Committee was joined by one of the residents and Michael McDonnell, Choice group chief executive. Together they planted a special rose bush to commemorate the official opening of the garden.
PCI opens its first dementia-friendly garden at their Corkey House residential care home in Belfast.
Rev Seawright said, “This wonderful dementia-friendly garden will bring joy to many people. I would like to thank our partner, Choice Housing, for creating it for our residents. More people are being diagnosed with dementia. Therefore as care providers, and as a denomination, we are responding in a number of ways to enhance and improve the quality of life for those we care for.”
“We provide professional training for our staff and we also want to provide opportunities for those with dementia to live as full a life as possible. This dementia-friendly garden is one such creative example. It will provide a stimulating yet safe environment that can encourage independence. It will also help to foster relaxation and a sense of calm.”
Rev John Seawright, convener of PCI’s Older People’s Services Committee & Michael McDonnell, Choice group chief executive spoke of the benefits of the garden.
Michael McDonnell, Choice Group Chief Executive said: “Providing facilities that meet the needs of our communities and enhance tenant lives is a key priority for Choice. I am proud and enthused by the quality of facilities at Corkey House and the support provided by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
The new dementia friendly garden is a welcoming place that promotes activity and well-being of body and mind. Spaces like this can play a vital role in local life. We wish our residents well as they enjoy and develop the garden together.”
Along with the garden, the ‘Vintage Café’ is another dementia-friendly area of the Corkey House that seeks to support people with dementia. The Café is decorated in an older style and full of memorabilia. It’s a place for residents and families to gather, relax and reminisce. It leads to the garden and was also officially opened recently.
Like all PCI homes, Corkey House welcomes residents from all denominations. Here they seek to provide care in a specifically Christian ethos and environment. Residents have the choice of attending regular worship services and fellowship times held within each home. A conscious effort is made to ensure that residents are offered spiritual support and encouragement when requested.
PCI opens its first dementia-friendly garden at their Corkey House premises. To find out more about this PCI residential care home click here.