New Malden coffee mornings provide support network for relatives

Abbeyfield House Hosts First Coffee Morning for Dementia Carers

Abbeyfield House care home in New Malden has hosted its first coffee morning for residents’ family members, creating an invaluable support network for people who have a loved one living with dementia or a similar condition. 

Attendees have the opportunity to meet others who also have a relative living at the home, over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, to share experiences and knowledge, and to gain a better understanding of what their loved ones are going through. 

Activities coordinator, Jay Ward, says, “We hope the sessions will enhance the visiting experience for residents and relatives alike. The ability to share feelings and knowledge can be a great learning opportunity and help people to achieve a greater understanding of the challenges our residents face. We hope this will help them to better interact with their family member when they visit. 

“Hearing from others will enable them to develop a better idea of what to expect in the future, and how the care that their loved one requires might evolve.” 

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive following the first few coffee mornings held earlier in the year. 

Kim Simmons, the daughter of a resident, was among those who attended. She said, “It was so lovely to attend a coffee and cake morning with other family members. It gave us all the perfect opportunity to get to know each other, to empathise, and to share our thoughts and worries in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. 

“It is such a good idea to do it on a regular basis and I am looking forward to attending again next time.” 

Jay will be running a coffee morning every month. “I am hoping we can encourage more of our residents’ relatives to attend future sessions,” he says. 

“It’s not just open to family members either. We are a community home, so we’d be happy to share the benefits of our coffee mornings with people from the local area as well, if they would like to attend.”