Knightswood has always supported those living with dementia but as clients’ needs increase, it was evident those with advanced dementia needed more one-to-one care in a different setting.
The extension to the main day care centre, Me, Myself and I (MM&I), includes a sensory room and an activities room as well as games such as hockey and hoopla.
Its The Way Back virtual reality device takes clients back to the Queen’s Coronation and the 1966 World Cup.
Clients can also enjoy colouring in, drawing, games, music and quizzes on the centre's supersized touchscreen tablet.
Personal care is provided for those who need it as well as transport to pick up and take clients safely home.
MM&I was started as a small group in the main centre a year ago with just three Knightswood clients on its first day.
Nicola Saich-Kersey, MM&I senior team leader, said: “We could see their needs were advancing and we needed to support them in a different way.
“They thrived at MM&I. We did whatever they wanted to do, whenever they wanted to do it.”
Knightswood had family members of the original first three clients officially cut the ribbon to open the new centre on Tuesday.
A host of other selected visitors and key figures also attended the event.
The centre will be open three days a week, looking to be five days a week going forward.
Julie Vannuffel, from the MM&I care team, added: “A day at Knightswood provides invaluable respite to families who become carers.
“For them, it’s a 24/7 responsibility so with our help, they get some precious time back to themselves.”Companies in the area supported the opening event including The Original Factory Shop in Burnham which supplied the balloons, Marts Parts donated colourful paint and Lady Room Cakes and Ponds Kitchen made cakes and helped with all of the finishing touches.
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