Selwood House Care Home Charlton Down to open dementia café

Selwood House Care Home on Chestnut Road, Charlton Down has announced the launch of a monthly community venture called the Forget-me-not café which will support people with dementia as well as their loved ones and carers.

It is due to open on Wednesday, June 5 and will run on the first Wednesday of each month from 10am to 12pm.

Kate Andrew, customer relations manager at Selwood House Care Home, said: “We are very excited about the launch of our dementia café, we believe it will be a great asset to the local community in and around Charlton Down.

“The café will be open to everyone and is aimed at those living with dementia and anyone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia.

Tea, coffee and cake will be served and educational speakers will be in attendance to promote dementia awareness as well as organising games and activities such as “singing for the brain” which involves vocal exercises that help improve brain activity and wellbeing.

It will be based at the recently-opened care home which underwent £2 million works last year which included an in-house pub, café and cinema.

The new care home has created 100 new jobs. 

The site is now owned by operator Country Court which has 45 care and nursing homes across the UK, specialising in residential care, dementia care and respite care.

Refurbished Selwood House (Image: Selwood House)

Representatives from the charity Alzheimer's Society will also be present at the café to provide signposting to local services.

Becky Green, home manager at the care home, added: “Here at Selwood House Care Home, we aim to be a focal point for the local community in the Dorchester area.

“We are delighted to be supported in this initiative by Mel Matthews and Jim Matthews from Alzheimer's Society who will be joining us at the Forget-me-not café to offer support and advice.”

More information about the new café can be found on the Selwood House Care website.