The Ferryfield Hub, a new Dementia Café in Willow Ward, Ferryfield House, continues to break down the barriers of dementia and even helped one couple celebrate their Golden Anniversary!
John Robertson, a dementia patient in the ward, uses the café regularly with his wife Slyvia.
The Hub is designed to feel like a quaint little cafe with plenty of colour, comfortable seating, music playing on the radio and old fashioned items around the room designed to bring back memories.
Since the opening of the hub John and his wife Sylvia have used it regularly. Sylvia said: “The cafe is a lovely, bright and social area. It’s great to have somewhere we can sit and talk. It’s not filled with staff and feels like a real cafe so it’s a nice break from the ward.”
“He’s happy within himself. He smiles and laughs and still loves listening to music, especially the Beatles. Sometimes he’ll close his eyes and people think he’s sleeping but if you listen carefully you can hear he’s singing away to himself.” Slyvia continued.
Hannah Moncrieff, Activities Coordinator in Ferryfield House, said: “Being able to see the benefits first hand is wonderful. Patents and relatives enjoy having a welcoming therapeutic space for themselves and their families.”
The Ferryfield Hub was transformed from a simple office to a little cafe through the support of Ferryfield League of Friends charity. It was officially opened by the Lord Provost in July.