During Dementia Action Week, The Meadows in Didcot, part of not-for-profit care provider, The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), focused on celebrating person-centred care, meaningful engagement, and reinforcing the importance of understanding and supporting people living with dementia. The week reflected OSJCT values, highlighting why purposeful, resident-led activity is central to wellbeing, identity, and quality of life.

Dementia Action Week provides an important opportunity for the home to challenge stigma, promote awareness, and demonstrate that life with dementia can remain rich, active, and fulfilling when the right support and environment are in place. At The Meadows, this was reflected through a varied programme of activities designed to stimulate memory, encourage connection, and support overall wellbeing.

Throughout the week, residents took part in a range of activities chosen in line with their interests and life experiences, ensuring everything remained inclusive and meaningful for those living with dementia. The focus was not simply on activity for activity’s sake, but on creating opportunities for purpose, enjoyment, and connection.

Reminiscence was supported through a comedy film afternoon featuring Dad’s Army, chosen for its familiar humour and strong nostalgic value. Shared laughter helped encourage conversation, recognition, and positive emotional response in a relaxed environment.

Traditional baking sessions featured well-loved recipes such as jam tarts and cheese straws, inspired by residents’ own memories and contributions. These activities supported sensory stimulation, fine motor skills, and social interaction, while also creating natural opportunities for reminiscence and storytelling.

Creative and sensory engagement continued through flower arranging, where residents designed colourful displays using seasonal flowers. This calming activity encouraged choice, expression, and gentle social engagement, while also supporting wellbeing through sensory stimulation.
Smoothie and milkshake making offered residents an enjoyable and interactive way to support hydration and nutrition. By selecting their own ingredients, residents were encouraged to maintain independence and make choices in a meaningful and accessible way.

Music sessions with live piano created a lively and emotionally engaging atmosphere, with residents singing, dancing, and responding to familiar songs. Music continues to be a powerful tool in dementia care, often unlocking memories and supporting communication where words may be more limited.

Community connection was supported through a trip into Didcot town for coffee and a short visit to local shops. Led by Home Manager Tobias and team members, this provided residents with a valued change of scenery and the opportunity to maintain links with the wider community in a safe and supported way.

A shared fish and chip lunch brought residents together in a sociable setting, offering comfort, familiarity, and enjoyment of a traditional meal that holds strong personal and cultural significance for many.

A fundraising quiz in support of Sobell House provided a stimulating group activity that encouraged discussion, recall, and teamwork across a range of themed questions, with residents fully engaged throughout.

The week concluded with a visit from Didcot Town Council, supporting residents to plant and decorate sunflowers as part of the Trust in Bloom initiative. This activity linked to the theme of friendship and provided ongoing purpose, as residents will continue to care for and watch their sunflowers grow.

Activity Coordinator Megan Humphries reflected on the importance of the week, saying:

“Dementia Action Week is about more than activities – it’s about understanding the person behind the diagnosis, creating moments of connection, and making sure every resident feels valued, heard, and included in meaningful ways every day.”

Overall, Dementia Action Week at The Meadows reinforced the importance of seeing the person beyond the diagnosis. Through thoughtful, purposeful engagement, residents were supported to remain active, connected, and valued, demonstrating the home’s ongoing commitment to dignity, choice, and wellbeing for all those living with dementia.