Transforming Dementia Care: Fostering Connection in Orchard Care Homes and Nightingale Hammerson

Throughout September, in recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month, Care England is highlighting the exceptional work of its members in supporting individuals living with dementia in care homes across the UK. As a leading voice in the care sector, Care England is committed to sharing best practices and innovations that improve the wellbeing of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

This week, we focus on two innovative approaches that are transforming dementia care by creating opportunities for residents to build connections in order to increase their mental wellbeing: Orchard Care Home’s Reconnect Programme and Nightingale Hammerson’s Intergenerational Care partnership with Apples and Honey Nightingale.

Orchard Care Home’s Reconnect Programme provides enriched psycho-social care to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for people living with dementia. The programme focuses on individualised engagement and meaningful connections, helping people reconnect to their sense of self and reducing the use of psychotropic medication in order for them to live as normal a life as possible. The success of Reconnect was evaluated in a study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, which concluded that the programme significantly improved the wellbeing of those living with dementia,  highlighting the importance of holistic, individualised care in enhancing mental and emotional health.

Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO of Care England, said:
“Orchard focuses on the person, not just the dementia diagnosis. They work closely with the individual, their family, and friends”.

Meanwhile, at Nightingale Hammerson, Apples and Honey Nightingale has been building bridges across generations since 2017 by connecting care home residents with children from the on-site nursery. This initiative promotes social interaction, reduces isolation, and fosters mutual learning between generations. A study conducted by Dr Ali Somers found that residents benefit from the energy and creativity of the younger generation, while young people gain valuable insights and empathy from their interactions with older adults. Nightingale Hammerson’s ongoing research into this initiative has demonstrated positive outcomes, including improved mood and cognitive engagement for residents.

Another big milestone in sharing how intergenerational care works in practice has been the development of accredited courses on intergenerational practice through AHN Education and Training. Hundreds of professionals are now being trained by experts that apply the intergenerational principles across Apples & Honey Nightingale and Nightingale Hammerson.

For more information on these initiatives, read more about Orchard Care Home’s Reconnect Programme and the intergenerational relationships at Nightingale Hammerson and Apples and Honey Nightingale.

Care England is proud to showcase the dedication of its members and the impact of their work on dementia care. To learn more about the inspiring efforts of care providers, check back on our News and Press page throughout this month.

Have a story or initiative you’d like to share with us? Please contact us at policy@careengland.org.uk, and join us in highlighting the exceptional efforts being made in dementia care.