Prince George Duke of Kent Court in Chislehurst, Kent, has undergone a substantial refurbishment to better support its residents living with dementia.
The home, operated by RMBI Care Co. and opened in 1968, has invested £250,000 to create a ‘house model’ dementia environment on its first floor. The new area will support up to 19 residents with dementia and boasts familiar spaces such as an open lounge and dining room alongside less-familiar elements such as a sensory zone, a technology zone, and an ‘outside inside’ area. The latter has been designed to bring the ‘outdoors indoors’ and is now home to several new pets. By working closely with residents and understanding their interests, the roof terrace has also become a renewed place of interest with animals and a water feature.
Simon Doherty, home manager, said: “The new environment is based on the current good practice dementia design. We have carefully considered the different areas in the home’s redesign, from lighting to suitable colour schemes and newly themed areas with a reminiscence approach. We have also introduced animals into the home as well as an increased use of sensory equipment. We believe the new areas will truly enhance and promote our residents’ health and wellbeing.”
RMBI Care Co. has been operating for over 170 years. Part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, it provides care to older freemasons and their families, as well as others, across 18 care homes in England and Wales.
