At Chorleywood Manor Care Home in Rickmansworth, two remarkable residents, Eric Heather and Jill Todd, recently organised and completed a 10-mile London Bridges Walk in support of the Alzheimer’s Society. With a combined age of 168, these best friends set out to raise awareness and funds for dementia care, leading an inclusive event that united people of all abilities.
Jill, who has witnessed the care provided to residents with dementia at Chorleywood Manor, shared her motivation: "We see the dedication of the staff every day. There’s a whole memory care floor here, and we wanted to do something to help."
As a care home activity coordinator, you know the importance of encouraging residents to engage in meaningful activities that not only support their wellbeing but also make a positive impact. Eric and Jill’s walk is a perfect example of how residents can take the lead in such initiatives, boosting their sense of purpose while raising vital funds for a cause close to their hearts.
With nearly 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, initiatives like this can play a key role in spreading awareness. Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK, yet only 51% of the public understand it as a fatal condition. Eric and Jill’s efforts are helping to change that.
Participants in the walk enjoyed London’s iconic sights, such as the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Tower Bridge. Over £3,000 has been raised so far, with donations still coming in to support the Alzheimer’s Society’s groundbreaking research and vital support services for those living with dementia and their families.
After the five-hour walk, Eric and Jill celebrated with a well-deserved pint at The Founders Arms, reflecting on the day’s success. “It was an incredible day doing something amazing for charity,” said Eric. “I’m so happy for all the support from Jill and the Chorleywood Manor team who made this possible.”
This story is a reminder of how powerful resident-led initiatives can be. Whether it’s a fundraising event, a community project, or simply supporting a charity, giving residents the opportunity to contribute to causes they care about can have a huge impact on their mental and emotional wellbeing.
If you're looking for inspiration on how to get your residents involved in similar events, consider how you might create inclusive, meaningful activities that raise awareness and funds for important causes like the Alzheimer’s Society. Not only will it bring your residents together, but it will also create lasting memories and strengthen their sense of purpose.
Let’s keep encouraging our residents to make a difference, just like Eric and Jill did.
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