Spalding care home residents and staff support Denim for Dementia

Residents and staff at a care home have taken part in a dress-down day to raise money for charity.

The event was organised at Beech Lodge Care & Nursing Home, and encouraged participants to trade their uniforms and regular clothing for denim outfits in exchange for a donation to Alzheimer’s Society.

‘Denim for Dementia’ day takes place during the charity’s annual Dementia Action Week, which aims to encourage members of the public to raise awareness on, and improve the lives of, people who suffer from the illness.

Lucy Bateson, the marketing manager for Country Court Care, said: “Everyone had a great day.

“They really enjoyed dressing up and doing something different for a few hours.

“It gave them the opportunity to open up, to talk about dementia and discuss how they feel about it.”

Karen Atillo, the home manager at the care home, added: “We see the impact of dementia on people and their families every day at Beech Lodge.

“We are passionate about supporting people living with dementia to have the best quality of life possible for as long as possible. We are always keen to raise awareness both inside and outside our homes.

“Denim for Dementia is a simple but effective way that anyone can get involved.”

Staff at Beech Lodge are also aiming to encourage at least 200 people to become ‘dementia friends’ this year.

This is an initiative which aims to alter the way the nation thinks and talks about dementia.

Families, friends and the public are being encouraged to donate directly to Alzheimer’s Society by visiting the section of their website dedicated to the ‘Denim for Dementia’ day.

The 2014 Dementia UK Report says there are currently 850,000 people living with the condition in the UK.