BRAEMAR House residents with high-level dementia needs are part of a new program to help them build friendships and dispel isolation.
The Lee House Family Tree invited residents from the East Fremantle centre’s specialist care service to put up a photo about themselves alongside a brief story about who they were.
Residents from the wider Braemar House community were then able to chose a pen pal from the tree, someone new who they could write to and get together with for casual catch ups or morning tea.
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READ NOWBraemar chief executive Wayne Belcher said the project was a way to build inclusiveness amongst their residents, regardless of a person’s condition.
“We want to help create bonds and relationships between those in the more secure part of the facility and those who are not affected by dementia, resulting in a better environment for everyone and reducing the stigma associated with dementia,” he said.
“When residents said they wanted to better understand and interact with their neighbours at Braemar House, our team worked closely with the residents to establish an engaging program to facilitate this request.
“Dementia is something we must focus on each day of the year and I am grateful that last month the national spotlight was focused on dementia, allowing for a better understanding that people with dementia are valuable members of our community.”
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