Residents, families, friends and community contacts gathered for fun, food and festivities as a Lymington care home staged a special summer day for all who live with dementia.

It was the first time that Colten Care’s 12-year-old Linden House has combined the spirit of a ‘dementia-friendly festival’ with an uplifting community party in the garden.

Team members at the New Street home, a dedicated dementia care setting, organised a barbecue and classic car showcase alongside games, singing, craftwork activities and gardening.

Complementing the fun were quiet spaces offering the opportunity to discuss dementia issues and find out more from experts at Colten Care and local community services.

Among those on hand to offer specialist advice, reassurance and support was Kay Gibson, Admiral Nurse at Colten Care.

Kay said: “We designed the day specifically for people living with dementia and those who care for them on that journey. In the community, there can often be a gap after memory assessment and diagnosis. Nothing might happen until there is an acute issue or a problem that justifies a referral, but in that interim period families can be asking what now? what’s the prognosis? what’s the progression?. Our Linden House festival was part of our much wider dementia care strategy which is there to ensure residents and families have the right support and environment so they can live well despite the dementia diagnosis.”

Kay’s words were echoed by Priya Joseph, Linden House Home Manager, who said: “We see the positive difference that dedicated dementia care makes to individuals and families every single day. Our first-ever dementia friendly festival was an ideal opportunity to reach out and discuss dementia care with the wider community. We were thrilled to host what was both a meaningful and fun event.”

As well as the chance to meet Kay, Priya and other Colten Care experts, visitors discussed dementia issues with representatives of the Memory Box Foundation, HOPe charity and Lymington Community Centre.

Rachel Lovell from the Memory Box Foundation said: “It is important for us to engage in events likes this so that we can talk to residents’ families and the local community about the services we offer. We also love talking about our reminiscence collection and hear so many lovely memories. The event itself was very well thought-out and there was something for everyone. A very enjoyable day had by all.”

Visiting relative Phillipa, whose father Frank lives at Linden House, said: “We really enjoyed the festival. Dad had a lovely time singing along, clapping and dancing. Linden House is such a happy place, and everyone made a huge effort.”

The event raised £223 for Lymington Community Centre through donations and raffle proceeds.

Opened in 2014, Linden House is rated Outstanding by care sector regulator the Care Quality Commission. It is one of four dedicated dementia care homes owned and run by Colten Care.