Bridgewater Day Care celebrates 10 Years in business!

This year we proudly celebrate 10 years of Bridgewater Day Care! Since opening our doors in 2014, the business has gone from strength to strength, delivering care to over 300 clients in the local areas of Lowton and Golborne, and further afield, over the past 10 years.

Bridgewater Day Care provides an adult day care service from the comfort of our day centre in the heart of Golborne.

From a warm, welcoming and homely environment we provide a range of daily support services, including companionship, personal care, meals and hydration, bathing service, along with many other stimulating and enjoyable activities.

Aimed at reducing social isolation and providing local families with some respite from daily caring responsibilities, clients can relax and enjoy the company of others, whilst receiving daily care and support, all provided under one roof.

The past decade has been an incredible journey for Bridgewater Day Care. From our humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a trusted space for vulnerable adults, older people and their families, offering a nurturing environment where clients can truly thrive. Our success over these years is testament to the trust and support of the community we serve.

As we reflect on the past 10 years that Bridgewater Day Care has been in operation, we must take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful team, both past and present, who have been part of our journey this far. It wouldn’t be the place it is today without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team who work tirelessly to ensure clients are well supported and able to enjoy each day they visit.

To celebrate the occasion we held an all-day part on Wednesday 21^st August, where we hosted a range of games, activities, live music and even had some animal visitors!

The day started with a warm welcome of our clients, who were greeted by our cheerful day centre team!

We then had our first visitors of the day – Nora the Shetland pony and Gwendoline the goat – they were a huge hit with our clients who adore animals! The clients enjoyed getting to know the animals, giving them a brush and a treat, and fondly fussing over their new furry friends.

As the day progressed, our clients danced the day away with lots of music, reminiscing over some of their favourite songs from their younger years.

Live singer, Jimmy, provided some wonderful tunes of decades past, including lots of throwbacks from the 70s and 80s, which was a time for clients to reminisce with friends and family of fond memories.

Celebrating our 10^th anniversary was also an occasion to welcome local organisations and contacts to our day centre, and invite them to join us whilst we mark the occasion.

We were honoured to have the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, visit us on the morning of our 10^th anniversary party. We were thrilled to be able to show him our day centre, introduce him to members of our team, and discuss current challenges within the social care sector. It was our pleasure to welcome him back to our day centre 10 years after his first visit, during our launch in 2014!

Phil Eckersley, owner and founder of Bridgewater Day Care comments:

“I am thrilled to be celebrating 10 years of Bridgewater Day Care alongside our dedicated team who provide such an exceptional service for our clients and their families. The day centre has become such a valuable resource for families with caring responsibilities and is a safe, welcoming space for clients to thrive. I am so proud of what we have achieved over the past 10 years, and look forward for what is in store for Bridgewater Day Care over the next 10 years!”

Thank you to all that attended our 10^th anniversary party, making it such a special and memorable event. And a huge thank you to all those who have been a part of our journey throughout the past 10 years – we couldn’t have done it without you all!

We look forward to the next 10 years of providing exceptional care to our clients, and what the future holds for Bridgewater Day Care!

We are proud to announce that Bridgewater Day Care, a local adult day centre in the heart of Golborne, is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year!

It feels like just yesterday that Bridgewater Day Care opened its doors to the local community of Golborne. This year we celebrate 10 years in business, reflecting on how much we have achieved since we first opened in 2014!

Bridgewater Day Care was established in 2014 in response to a growing need for day care services for older people in the local area.

The purpose of our service is to provide a positive, stimulating environment for adults, older people and those living with a form of dementia.

Over the past 10 years it has been our mission to provide a safe, secure ‘home away from home’ environment for our clients to thrive, whilst aiming to reduce social isolation and promote independence of those who use our service.

Since 2014 we have seen an incredible 340 clients walk through our doors to enjoy fun filled days with the support of our excellent team of Care Staff and Support Workers.  We are also extremely proud to have provided over a quarter of a million care hours over the last 10 years!

From our humble beginnings supporting just a handful of clients we have grown into an invaluable hub that serves many families in the local area, and across the region. Our commitment to high-quality care has remained at the forefront of our service, and it is this dedication that has driven our success over the past decade.

Over the past ten years, Bridgewater Day Care has accomplished many milestones that we are incredibly proud of.

Most recently we have achieved a 5 star food hygiene rating for our wonderfully fresh lunch time meals.

In 2023 our team were successful at the Great British Care Awards, winning ‘Care Newcomer of the Year’ award, and being Highly Commended in both the ‘Dementia Care’ award and ‘Dignity in Care’ award.

Bridgewater Day Care were also nominated as a finalist at the Family Business Awards 2022 for the People’s Choice’ award in the local borough of Cheshire.

We have also had some fantastic community achievements over the years.

We are proud to have raised £780 for Alzheimer’s Society at the Cheshire Memory Walk in 2022.

We also launched a successful community outreach project to educate younger people at local primary schools about the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia on loved ones they may know.

Celebrate With Us!

To mark this momentous occasion, we invite you to celebrate with us! Please join us for our 10th-anniversary party, where we will reflect on our journey and host a range of Bridgewater Day Care games, entertainment and activities, including animal visitors, ice cream van and live music in the afternoon.

It will be a ‘drop-in’ event where you are welcome to join us at any point throughout the day to celebrate with us.

Event Details: Bridgewater Day Care 10^th Anniversary Party

Date: Wednesday 21st  August 2024

Time: All day drop-in between 10am – 3pm

Location: Bridgewater Day Care, Queen Street, Golborne, WA3 3AF

Who: Open to all clients, family, friends and local community

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with all the families and friends who have been part of Bridgewater Day Care’s journey.

Nutrition holds huge importance for individuals of all ages, but it becomes particularly crucial for adults and older people as they navigate the challenges of aging. At Bridgewater Day Care, we recognise the role that proper nutrition plays in promoting health, vitality, and overall well-being among our clients. Our commitment to providing nutritious meals not only focusses on sustenance,  it’s about clients enjoying the foods they love in a healthy and sustainable way.

Catering to Dietary Requirements: We understand that older adults may have unique dietary needs and restrictions, which is why we prioritize catering to individual requirements at Bridgewater Day Care. From managing allergies and intolerances to accommodating specific medical conditions, our team works closely with each client to create tailored meal plans that meet their nutritional needs. This includes providing:

• Pureed meal options for those with swallowing difficulties
• Meals to cater for intolerances and dietary needs, including ‘free from’ gluten and lactose
• Meals to cater for dietary preferences including vegetarian options
• Assisted feeding for those with additional medical needs
• Small portions

Nutritious Meals: To further enhance the dining experience for our clients, we partner with Wiltshire Farm Foods to offer a diverse selection of nutritious meal options. Wiltshire Farm Foods is renowned for its high-quality, chef-prepared meals that are not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. Clients have the freedom to choose from a wide range of meals, ensuring that their preferences and dietary requirements are met with every bite.

Assistance and Support with Meals: Some of our clients may require additional assistance and support with their meals, whether due to physical limitations or cognitive impairments. We provide compassionate support to ensure that every individual can enjoy their meals with dignity and independence. Our trained staff members offer assistance with feeding, if necessary, and are always on hand to provide encouragement and companionship during mealtimes.

Promoting Health and Well-Being: From a nutritional aspect, our meals are designed to promote overall health and well-being among our clients. We prioritise nutrient-rich meals that support immune function, bone health, and cognitive strength, such as meals with high protein content and fresh vegetables that are both tasty and nutritious. We are also big believers in enjoying what you eat, aiming to make meal-times as pleasurable as possible by offering clients some of their favourite foods, both past and present.

Empowering Choice and Independence: We believe in empowering our clients to make choices about their meals, instilling a sense of autonomy and independence. Whether it’s selecting their favourite dishes from the Wiltshire Farm Foods menu or expressing their dietary preferences, we adapt our meals to the individuality of each client and ensure that they feel valued and respected.

You can find out more about Wiltshire Farm Foods here, including their variety of meals types and how they cater for different dietary requirements: About Wiltshire Farm Foods Foods.

Ensuring that older adults receive proper nutrition is fundamental to maintaining their health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. At Bridgewater Day Care, we are committed to supporting the nutritional needs of our clients through our partnership with Wiltshire Farm Foods. Our meals are designed to be both nutritious and delicious, helping our clients enjoy their food while staying healthy and well. By focusing on balanced diets, hydration, and high-quality meal services, we strive to make good nutrition accessible and enjoyable for all our clients.

For more information about our services and commitment to nutrition, please visit our website at Bridgewater Day Care or get in touch with our day centre team on 01942 723 115.

You can also find a list of our services through our website here: Services – Bridgewater Day Care

As we get older, our bodies undergo numerous changes, and tasks that were once routine can become challenging. For older people, personal care, especially bathing, can present difficulties that impact both physical and emotional well-being.

At Bridgewater Day Care we recognise how significant bathing and personal hygiene services are in preserving dignity and enhancing well-being for not only our clients, but also those in the local community who wish to use our facility.

We provide a purpose-built personal bathing area within the comfort of our day centre, to offer private, comfortable and safe bathing to support clients with fulfilling their daily routines and maintaining good personal hygiene.

For many older people , mobility issues such as arthritis, and other health conditions can make it challenging to perform personal care tasks independently. Bathing, in particular, can pose increasing risks, such as slips and falls, especially if the home is not adapted for such conditions. Additionally, the loss of muscle strength and flexibility can make getting in and out of the bath or shower a daunting task. As a result, many older people may start neglecting personal hygiene, which can lead to a variety of other health issues as well as a decline in their emotional well-being and overall happiness.

Preserving Dignity Through Bathing Services

Our team of expertly trained Support Workers and Care Staff provide personalised bathing and hygiene services with complete discretion from our comfortable bathing facility. Our team our trained in assisting clients with personal care tasks, including grooming, washing, haircare, skincare, and toilet support so clients can carry out their daily routine from one room within our day centre.

Our bathing facility contains a seated hoist and mobile hoist to allow those with physical frailties to be able to easily get access into the bath, without the assistance if preferred. The facility also includes its own toilet within the same room, for complete privacy and ease of use.

Personalised Care

Every individual is unique, and so are their needs and wishes. Recognising this, our care team provide personalised bathing routines that take into account the specific requirements of each client.

This may involve adapting bathing schedules, using specialist equipment, and incorporating the client’s own preferences to make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Promoting Independence

Whilst we provide assistance with all personal care services, our goal is to promote independence wherever possible. Our team aim to strike a balance between offering support and encouraging clients to maintain a sense of control over their daily routines, if this is possible.

Empowering our clients to participate in their own personal care helps to adopt a positive mindset and enhances their overall quality of life and confidence with their daily routines.

Emotional Well-being

The emotional impacts of bathing and personal hygiene services extend beyond physical well-being. Many older people may feel vulnerable or reserved about needing assistance with personal care. At Bridgewater Day Care we understand the importance of building trust and creating a safe, comfortable and dignified environment where clients feel able to ask for assistance wherever they need it. Establishing this rapport with our clients allows them to open up about their concerns and preferences, enabling our team to support them to the best of their ability.

Accessing our Bathing Service

Our bathing facility is available for just £25 per session and can be accessed by both clients and those in the local community who do not receive our day care service but who wish to make use of our facility.

For clients wishing to add a bathing service into their Day Centre visit, we would be happy to discuss their wishes and preferences and schedule this into their usual daytime routine. It is our goal to minimise disruption to our client’s usual routines, ensuring they have a structure to their day that is familiar to them.

For more information about our services, or to enjoy a Free Taster Session, please get in touch with us on 01942 723 115 or email us at info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

You can also submit an enquiry form here and a member of our team will be in touch!

Each week at Bridgewater Day Care we hold different Reminiscence Sessions, themed around different aspects of our clients’ pasts, whether that be their childhood, family and relationships, or hobbies and interests in later life.

Reminiscence Therapy is designed to evoke memories and fond experiences from the past, helping to improve clients’ mental stimulation and all round well-being.

This therapeutic method, based upon the recalling of past experiences, has proven to be an enriching activity for individuals, encouraging a sense of identity and promoting mental well-being.

It can involve the use of various props, music, film, or discussion around a particular topic to help our clients relive those memories, or be reminded of times that meant something to them.

At Bridgewater Day Care we focus on a number of key topics which our clients enjoy reminiscing about, including:

Doll therapy sessions

These sessions help to tap into the nurturing instincts that we have throughout our lives. They help our clients journey back to the days of nurturing for their own loved ones, triggering memories of early parenthood, and creating that warm, fuzzy feeling of caring.

Music, singing and dancing

At Bridgewater Day Care we love a good singsong to start the day. Music has a remarkable ability to rewind time, evoking emotions and memories of past experiences and feelings.

We integrate music, singing, and dancing into our Reminiscence Therapy sessions, creating a playful and joyful atmosphere for our clients. Whether it’s a familiar tune from childhood or a cherished dance, these activities stimulate the mind and promote social interaction with clients and staff alike.

If our clients prefer a quieter, more peaceful environment, we have a quiet space to listen to music either individually or as a small group.

Games and puzzles from childhood

Rediscovering the simple pleasures of childhood through games and puzzles is a key aspect of our reminiscence sessions. Engaging in activities such as jigsaw puzzles or traditional board games transports our clients back to fond moments with family and friends. These nostalgic games become more than pastimes; they become channels for connection and mental stimulation.

Discussions of film and television from childhood

Along with physical activities, we also use familiar discussion topics to sit around our comfortable lounge area and have a good old chit-chat! A topic that always brings everyone together is film and television, especially discussing favourite tv shows from younger years.

The big screen holds a treasury of memories for our clients. Reminiscence Therapy at Bridgewater Day Care incorporates discussions of films and TV from participants’ childhoods. This shared interest serves as a catalyst for storytelling, with clients reminiscing about iconic moments and characters from their favourite things to watch.

 Photographs from school days and childhood

A picture really is worth a thousand words. At Bridgewater, photographs become a means for time travel, taking our clients right back to that era or that moment.

Reminiscence Therapy through photographs involves sharing and discussing photographs from school days, childhood, events or event periods of time throughout their past, sparking vivid recollections and bridging the gap between past and present.

Food and smells – likes and dislikes over the years

It’s amazing how much a smell or taste can take you right back to when you first experienced it, or transport you back to a memory that is associated with that sensation.

Our Reminiscence Therapy through taste and smell incorporates discussions about food and smells—likes and dislikes over the years. Exploring culinary preferences from different life stages not only engages the senses but also provides a platform for clients to bond over shared tastes and culinary memories!

Last week we held a Doll Therapy Session, which our clients loved. It’s great to see the smiles on our clients faces when we discuss fond memories from the past.

To find out more about the services we provide at Bridgewater Day Care, please have a look at our page here: https://www.bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk/services/activities/

Or if you would like to enquire about joining the Day Centre, or to request a FREE taster session (!) please get in touch with Day Care Manager, Lisa, who would be happy to help 😊

📞 01942 723 115

We are so proud to announce that Bridgewater Day Care has 3 finalists in the Great British Care Awards 2023!

Our wonderful finalists in this year’s awards are:

• Rebecca Heywood – The Care Newcomer Award
• Joanne Hemsley – The Dementia Care Award
• Diane Springall – The Dignity in Care Award

The Great British Care Awards are an annual awards celebration, and a chance to pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work and celebrate excellence across the care sector as a whole.

There are 21 awards categories in total, which represent different areas of the care sector and specialist services within care, including residential care, home care and day care.

We are truly proud of our team for being nominated and selected as finalists for 3 categories in this year’s awards.

Our finalist categories are:

The Care Newcome Award – Rebecca Heywood

This award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate a new member of staff who ideally commenced and remained in employment in the care sector within the previous 12 months. The individual can either be returning to the sector after at least two years away or be joining for the first time.]

The Dementia Care Award – Joanne Hemsley

This award will be given to an individual who can reflect the specific skills needed to manage and deliver services sensitive to the needs of older people with dementia, and which reflects an awareness of the provider organization that investment in this type of service provision will meet increasing demand in the future.

The Dignity in Care Award – Diane Springall

This award will be presented to an individual who can demonstrate the significance of maximising client independence and choice, whilst respecting and maintaining privacy and dignity at all times.

The finals for the awards will be held on 11th November 2023 at the Kimpton Hotel in Manchester,  so please join us in wishing our wonderful finalists the best of luck and success for the final!

Each of our finalists will undergo a final interview with the judges before the winners are decided upon and announced at the awards event in November. Best of luck, ladies – we are all rooting for you!

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At Bridgewater Day Care we provide a home-away-from-home environment for clients to relax, socialise and receive much needed personal care and support where required. From our day centre in Golborne, Cheshire, we provide one-to-one person-centred care to elderly clients and those living with a form of dementia, to help them live well and enjoy a safe, comfortable space, daily.

It is our mission to ensure that our clients have access to a daily, caring service in a homely environment, where they can receive personal care, emotional support, a bathing service, hydration support and medication assistance where required. We believe this enables our clients to continue living with dignity and independence, where they might otherwise risk social isolation or neglect their own self-care.

At Bridgewater Day Care we are extremely passionate about what we do, and strive to make the day centre a place that both clients and staff alike feel comfortable in and enjoy their time they spend there.

To find out more about our services, or to apply to become a client of the Day Centre, please get in touch with us on:

Tel: 01942 723115

Or simply fill out our quick and easy application form here:

If you are unsure about our opening hours over May and the bank holidays, please find a list of these dates below:

1^st May 2023 – May Bank Holiday : Closed

Tuesday 2^nd – 5^th May 2023 : Open as usual 10am – 4pm daily

8^th May 2023 – Bank Holiday for the Coronation  : Closed

Tuesday 9^th – 12^th May 2023 : Open as usual 10am – 4pm daily

15^th – 19^th May 2023 : Open as usual 10am – 4pm daily

22^nd – 26^th May 2023 : Open as usual 10am – 4pm daily

29^th May 2023 – Spring Bank Holiday : Closed

Tuesday 30^th May : Usual hours resume

If you need extra assistance during the bank holidays, please contact the Admiral Nurse Dementia helpline on: 0800 888 6678

Their opening hours are:

Monday to Friday 9am-9pm

Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm

Bank Holidays 8am-5pm

Or if you have any queries about our opening hours during May, please contact our friendly team on 01942 723 115 and we will be happy to help.

Welcoming new clients!

We are currently accepting new clients to join our day care! If you know someone who could benefit from a daily care service, or who would enjoy the comfort of our home-away-from-home day centre, please feel free to pass on our details.

Designed to both stimulate and entertain, our Care and Support team at the Day Care Centre offer a friendly service with a family feel.

We have a friendly and trained staff team so that you and your family can rest assured knowing your care and support needs are built around your individual needs and preferences. The care team at Bridgewater Day Care are highly trained in the care of adults living with a form of Dementia.

Please contact us if you would like to know more about the Bridgewater Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities and support that we provide for our clients:

Call:  01942 723115

Or email: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

We are open Monday-Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

It has just been announced that Golborne based Bridgewater Day Care is a finalist for the People’s Choice category of the North West Family Business Awards 2023.

Voting has now opened! To submit a vote for us please follow the link here:
https://www.northwestfamilybusinessawards.co.uk/award-finalist/bridgewater-day-care/

Bridgewater Day Care beat strong competition with a record number of family businesses entering the awards from across the North West region.

This first-class event will be held at The Concorde Conference Centre, near Manchester Airport.

Co-hosted by Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth of The Family Business Community, alongside renowned food and drink writer, and presenter Nigel Barden, and will take place on Friday 19^th May 2023.

Phil Eckersley, founder and managing director of Bridgewater Day Care, commented:

“We are so delighted to be shortlisted as a finalised for the People’s Choice Award, it means the world to us and our close-knit, family feel team!”

Together with wife, Olivia, and Bridgewater mascot, Milo the miniature dachshund, they form the small family team behind the scenes at Bridgewater Day Care.

“Since opening our doors in Golborne back in 2014, we have always strived to provide a safe, secure, comfortable environment that acts as a home-away-from-home for our clients, giving their family members with caring responsibilities a source of respite and support.

“People are our number one priority – we put our clients and our team at the heart of everything we do, ensuring they feel well supported and a true part of our support network that we fondly call the ‘Bridgewater Family’.

“It would mean so much to our team if we were to be awarded the People’s Choice Award for Cheshire; it would truly be an honour to be recognised for the services we provide to support our clients and their families in our local community.”

Manager at Bridgewater Day Care, Lisa, is thrilled for her team at the day centre to be recognised as a finalist for such a wonderful award which celebrates the local community’s favourite businesses across Cheshire.

Lisa has been part of the Bridgewater Family since 2014, and has seen the day centre go from strength to strength, providing a much-loved, community-focussed service in the heart of Golborne.

The awards ceremony is being held on Friday 19^th May at the Concorde Conference Centre, Manchester Airport, so you all have until midnight on Sunday 14^th May to cast your vote!

Should you be so kind as to vote for us, please visit the link below and pop in your name and email address to submit your vote :

CLICK HERE TO VOTE: https://www.northwestfamilybusinessawards.co.uk/award-finalist/bridgewater-day-care/

Please feel free to pass the voting link on to your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and anyone you know, it would be very much appreciated!!

Thank you,

The Bridgewater Day Care team

Last week at Bridgewater Day Care we held a ‘Health and Well-being’ week for our clients, focussing on self-care, wellness, and practising some well-deserved TLC!

We hosted a range of activities for our clients throughout the week, which helped them to socialise with one another, enjoy some pampering, and focus on feeling good. These included:

• Hand & Feet Massages
• Hair Styling
• Nail Painting
• Seated Yoga
• Quiet Meditation

It’s so important to focus on individual wellness throughout one’s life, especially in older age as self-care can often be less of a priority, or most often than not, forgotten about completely. Feeling good on both the inside and outside can really help to improve overall well-being and quality of life.

Along with everyday personal hygiene care, such as bathing and grooming, wellness can play a huge factor in enhancing the daily quality of an individual’s life. It focusses on the small things, and practising daily habits that can make someone that bit more comfortable and happy such as doing your hair or putting on a lovely perfume or aftershave!

Led by our events coordinator, Diane, health and well-being week helped our clients to focus on themselves, tune into how they are feeling and enjoy some guilt-free pampering from the Bridgewater Day Care team!

Each week Bridgewater Day Care run different themed activities and events led by our dedicated team for clients to enjoy and partake in, in addition to providing personal hygiene care, nutritious meals and companionship each day. We aim to focus on themes that will help our clients to engage with one another, bring back fond memories and support their hobbies and interests so that each week their time with us is new and stimulating.

If you think a loved one could benefit from the support we provide at Bridgewater Day Care, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team who will be happy to chat with you.

You can contact Lisa, Bridgewater Day Care Manager, directly on 01942 723115 for further information or email us at info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

You can also book a free taster session with us so that your loved one can try our service and familiarise themselves with Bridgewater Day Care!

If you haven’t been introduced to us before, we are Bridgewater Day Care, a friendly ‘home-away-from-home’ day care service for older people and those living with a form a dementia.

We provide a safe, secure and welcoming environment for clients to socialise, receive care and support and engage in stimulating activities from the comfort of our Day Care Centre in Golborne, Cheshire.

Since 2014 we have been supporting clients across the local community, providing them and their families with a daily respite service, assisting them with personal care, lunch time meals, stimulating activities, reminiscence therapy, and much, much more!

Here are our friendly Bridgewater Day Care Team!

“Hi, I’m Lisa, Day Centre Manager at Bridgewater Day Care. I live locally in Golborne and joined Bridgewater Day Care in 2014.

Since looking after my dad who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, I became his registered carer and knew that this was the career path I wanted to take.

Initially I started in care as a bank nurse at Leigh Infirmary and then moved to work for home care services.  I went to college to study Health and Social Care and passed my NVQ Level 2, I have also completed my Level 5 Leadership and Management and wish to progress my career in Health and Social Care, in particular around Dementia / Memory loss.

I find it so rewarding to have a job that makes me feel that I have made a difference to people’s lives, to help them with their independence, to have a better life, to support people and watch their confidence grow is fantastic whilst their family and loved ones know they are in safe hands and being well looked after.

I can honestly say it is a pleasure to come to work and spend my days with lovely people here at Bridgewater Day Care!”

“Hi my name is Joanne, Senior Support Worker at Bridgewater Day Care.

I live in Abram with my husband, 3 girls and 3 dogs.

I have worked supporting people for many years.  I started at Bridgewater Day Care in May 2021.  Each day is different and there is lots going on to keep everyone smiling.”

“Hi my name is Diane, Activities Coordinator at Bridgewater Day Care.

I joined the Bridgewater team in April 2021.  I live in Birchwood, Warrington with my husband and we have a daughter and two grand-daughters.

On my first day at Bridgewater after meeting the lovely Clients and the amazing Staff I couldn’t stop smiling – and I haven’t stopped since! I love chatting to the Clients and hearing their stories. Every day is different and I love coming to work.  I’ve completed my initial training and am looking forward to learning more, particularly about Dementia.”

“Hi I’m Chloe. I’m a Support Worker and I started working here in October 2021.

I am 25 and I live in Ashton-in-Makerfield. I have worked in the home care sector previously and I looked after my Grandad for a number of years, who sadly developed vascular dementia.

I felt privileged to join the Bridgewater family and I look forward to working here each day.

Getting to know the clients has been amazing and I find helping them so rewarding. I have completed my initial training here and I look forward to expanding my knowledge.”

“Hi, my name is Donna, Support Worker at Bridgewater Day Care. I live locally in Golborne and I have one daughter.

I have been working at Bridgewater Day Care Centre since the beginning of July 2017.

It is an amazing place to work and I love engaging with all our clients. I was awarded “Day Care – Carer of the Year 2017,” which I was very proud to receive. I feel very honoured to be doing the job I do every day.”

“Hi my name is Becky, I live in Wigan with my husband, daughter and cat.

I joined the Bridgewater team in July 2022 as a Support Worker and have never looked back.

Every day is different as is every client but what I love the most is how rewarding the job is.

The clients are wonderful and the team has a real family feel, this makes it an absolute pleasure to come to work.  I am proud to say I work for Bridgewater Day Care.”

We are a friendly team who feel very passionate about the care we provide, and absolutely love working all of our wonderful clients!

Did you know we offer a free taster session for new clients to join us for the day and try out our friendly service?

If you are interested in finding out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lisa who will be happy to arrange a taster session for you, or answer any queries you might have.

You can call us at the Day Centre on: 01942 723 115 or you can email Lisa directly on lisa.lehan@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

What is doll therapy?

Doll therapy is a recognised intervention for people living with dementia to help address cases of depression, agitation, and lack of fulfilment.

‘Caring’ for a doll or soft toy can also give people with dementia a renewed sense of purpose and help them connect with the outside world. This can have a knock-on effect on their energy, activity levels and mood.

Dolls are introduced to clients where it is felt that they may provide a source of comfort or meet an individual’s need to care for someone else.

Doll therapy is led by the person with dementia; so, you would offer them a doll first to see what happens next. Some people perceive it to be a soft toy they can cuddle and hold; others perceive it to be a baby they’re looking after.

What are the benefits?

Several dementia studies have proved the benefits of using doll therapy for people living with dementia.

Evidence shows that the use of dolls or soft toy animals can be beneficial for those who may not be engaging with others, or who are restless, distressed or anxious, improving their well-being and ability to communicate.

Bridgewater Day Care Centre’s Manager Lisa Lehan said: “Looking after a baby doll has had a significant calming effect when clients are feeling unsettled or restless. It gives them a sense of worth and purpose .”

The sensation of holding a doll or toy animal can be soothing. It might remind them of a time when they had young children or a pet of their own.

Not everyone will want to interact with a doll or soft animal. If the person shows no interest, we do not press the doll or soft animal upon them. We discuss the suitability with other members of the client’s family to discover their views and also explain the possible benefits of doll therapy at the Day Care centre for their loved one.

You can find out more about doll therapy on the Dementia UK website here: Use of dolls (dementiauk.org)

We welcome people living with dementia at our Day Care Centre in Golborne. Bridgewater’s experienced team use a variety of techniques to encourage and stimulate clients who visit us and we have a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Doll therapy is just one of the therapies our Day Care Centre uses to help clients living with dementia.

Our care and Support staff receive specific training in how to provide care to those living with different types of dementia when they visit us at our centre. We understand the challenges of caring for someone with dementia and know how to support individuals and their families in managing and maintaining relationships and getting the most possible out of day-to-day life.

This means our staff will:

• Support our clients to make decisions themselves.
• Ensure our clients are kept safe.
• Alleviate pressure for caring relatives and provide respite during the day.
• Provide a nutritious lunch, and support hydration when they visit us.
• Assist with personal care and medication.
• Build positive relationships with the client and their families.
• Engage the client in activities that they enjoy.
• Use reminiscence techniques where appropriate.
• Encouragement to engage in social events at the Day Care Centre.

We’d love to talk about the ways we can help. Why not get in touch with us to discuss the support we can offer you or to book a free 2-hour taster session?

Please contact our friendly Care & Support team :

Tel:01942 723 115 

Email:info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

We are absolutely delighted that Donna Edwards of Bridgewater Day Care Centre has been shortlisted for the Dignity in Care Award at the Great British Care Awards 2022, in the North West region.

This is the second time that our Care and Support worker, Donna has been a finalist in the Great British Care Awards!  Donna values dignity in the person-centred care she provides to her clients and on receiving news of her nomination told us :

“ I started at Bridgewater Day Care Centre in 2017, having never worked in care but it turned out to be my dream job and I have never looked back. Taking care of and making sure our “family” at work is my main priority, to see them smile, happy and safe throughout the day is worth everything to me. Coming to work is like coming home, making a difference to our clients’ day has got to be the best feeling that I’ve had in my job.”

Donna’s Manager, Lisa Lehan told us how incredibly proud she was of Donna when she heard the news that she would be a Finalist for such a prestigious care award and added that :

“Donna is truly dedicated to putting customers at the heart of everything she does. We’re very proud of her and all the rest of our team who do a wonderful job every single day to support our clients at the Day Care Centre.”

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration of excellence across the care sector.  The purpose of the awards is to pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.

The awards are made up of twenty-one categories representing all areas of the social care sector, whether it be older people or specialist services, residential or home care. From frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training and innovation. The awards are all-inclusive, bringing together the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers; promoting joint working. Working in partnership with care partners and local care associations is at the heart of the initiative; working and linking directly with local managers and networks to further promote the event.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony which is taking place on 12th November 2022 in Manchester.

Super well done to Donna. We’re rooting for her to win in her category! Good luck to everyone involved.

You can read more about a fantastic opportunity to join our Care and Support Team in Golborne here.

Please contact one of our friendly team if you would like to know more about the Bridgewater Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities and support that we provide for our clients:

Call:  01942 723115

Or email: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

We are so excited to be holding a Spooktacular Monster Bash this year at our Day Care Centre in Golborne on Wednesday 26th October between 1.30 pm -3.00 pm.

All clients and their families are invited to join us for a fun-filled afternoon of live music, dancing, games and lots of laughter!

Our Monster Bash will welcome back, Soundtrack NorthWest, the 5-piece guest band who are performing from 1.30 pm. They last entertained us in July and our clients and staff had a wonderful time singing and dancing and we can’t wait for them to entertain us again!

Bridgewater Day Care is supporting World Alzheimer’s Month this September.

In support of the Alzheimer’s Society, and our wonderful clients past and present some of our Day Care Centre team took part in the Tatton Park Memory Walk on Saturday 24th of September 2022.

Lisa Lehan, Bridgewater Day Centre’s Manager told us,

“We really wanted to take part in the Cheshire Memory Walk this year and had such a wonderful time at Tatton Park and the sun even shined for us !

Thank you so much to everyone who very kindly sponsored our event…we have raised an incredible £730 and are blown away by all the wonderful support for a charity that is so dear to our hearts! “

To support Bridgewater Day Care Centre’s fundraising you can donate via JustGiving by following this link: Team Bridgewater fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society on JustGiving

Living with Dementia 

Over three-quarters of a million people in England live with dementia, a number that will grow exponentially.

• Memory loss
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems with language
• Disorientation to time and place
• Poor or decreased judgement
• Problems keeping track of things
• Misplacing things
• Changes in mood and behaviour
• Challenges in understanding visual and spatial information
• Withdrawal from work or social activities

At Bridgewater Day Care Centre our Care and Support team are not only incredibly compassionate and understanding, but also highly trained and experienced in Dementia care. We specialise in supporting people with memory problems to age well and enjoy life.

When you have dementia, it’s important to try to keep doing things that you enjoy. Staying active and involved is important because it keeps you in touch, or reconnects you, with other people, and so can stop you from feeling lonely. Having people to talk to and spend time with can help you feel supported and understood.

Our day service enables older people to socialise with others while still receiving the care and support services that they need throughout the day. At the same time, the service offers carers a break from their day-to-day caring duties whilst knowing that their loved ones are in excellent hands.

We also offer a 2-course cooked lunch & snacks and drinks throughout the day.

Our service is currently available Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.

In support of the Alzheimer’s Society, our Day Care Centre team will be doing the Tatton Park Memory Walk on the 24th of September 2022

Cheshire Memory Walk is a family-friendly sponsored walk like no other, where thousands of people come together to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society.

Lisa Lehan, Bridgewater Day Centre’s Manager told us,

“We really want to take part in the Cheshire Memory Walk being held at Tatton Park as this is a cause very close to our hearts as we are always humbled by the wonderful people that we have been lucky enough to meet and work with who are living with dementia.”

“At Bridgewater Day Care Centre we offer a safe community space in which to have fun, try a new activity, reminisce with friends, or simply sit back and enjoy being part of the lovely atmosphere. Many of our visitors simply enjoy sitting with a cup of tea, enjoying the opportunity to be amongst company.”

To support Bridgewater Day Care Centre’s  fundraising please donate via JustGiving by following this link: Team Bridgewater fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society on JustGiving

There are approximately 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, including 20,095 (over 65s)  in the Merseyside and Cheshire area.

The Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging people to take part in a local Memory Walk   :

 “Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer with someone developing it every three minutes – yet dementia research still trails far behind other health conditions, after decades of underfunding.  We are calling on family, friends – and furry four-legged supporters – to unite against dementia this autumn. Dementia devastates lives. Walk with us at Memory Walk and dementia won’t win. Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.”

Local Alzheimer’s Dementia Support 

The Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia support service is free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with the right support.

Wigan Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advisers provide information, advice and signposting to people with dementia and their carers. This is provided at the point of diagnosis and throughout the dementia journey.

To find out more about Wigan Dementia Advisers, you can:

• Call 0333 150 3456
• or email wigan@alzheimers.org.uk

Warrington Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advisers provide information, advice and signposting to people with dementia and their carers. This is provided at the point of diagnosis and throughout the dementia journey.

To find out more about Warrington Dementia Advisers, you can:

• Call 0151 420 8010.(Office opening times: Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00)
• or email warrington@alzheimers.org.uk

Bridgewater Day Care staff can provide support for the person you care for by them spending some time at our Day Care centre in Golborne, providing you with a little time to do your own thing. We offer a FREE taster session – this can be booked for either morning before lunch, 10 am – 12 pm or for the afternoon session 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm.

Research-based evidence proves that engaging in day-to-day activities, using social skills and being surrounded by friends gives someone living with dementia a much better quality of life. All of our visitors are their own person and have their own story to tell. We treat everyone as an individual here at Bridgewater Day Care Centre with complete respect and dignity.

To find out more about our wonderful space or to book a free 2-hour taster session, please contact our friendly Care & Support team :

Tel:01942 723 115 

Email:info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

What People Say About Us 

Are you considering care in the daytime for your mum or dad but want to know more about what people say about Bridgewater Day Care Centre in Golborne?

” To all staff at Bridgewater, your kindness and generosity mean so much. Thank you for all your loving care and attention given to Brian. “ ( Sue Lord )

” Tina and Michelle & family would like to thank you all for everything you all did for mum. You are all so caring and lovely and do an amazing job. Mum ( Ellen) could not praise you enough and loved spending time with you all and she had lots of friends there. As you all know mum loved a good laugh and gossip but that’s what made mum. She was an amazing person and loved by everyone. She will be missed. Our world. xxx “

“To Lisa & Girls, Thank you so much for taking care of Barry and making his days with you so enjoyable. Loads of love Ann xxx “

” To Lisa & staff, Thank you for looking after Jenny and giving her a good laugh and lots of care. Wish you all well and will keep in touch. I only wish we had heard of your Day centre before she would have been visiting you from the start of her illness.”( Shirley & family ) 

Bridgewater Day Care Centre will be closed over the Easter bank holiday period and we will re-open on Tuesday 19th April 2022. Our normal hours of opening are Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 4 pm. Bridgewater Day Care Centre’s Manager, Lisa, wants to wish all her brilliant team and her wonderful clients a Very Happy Easter.

Over the Easter bank holiday period, If you need someone to talk to about your own or your loved one’s dementia, you can call Dementia UK‘s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 – it’s open every day apart from 25th December. Their Helpline is open from 9 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday to Sunday. As dementia specialists, Admiral Nurses help families manage complex needs – considering the person living with dementia and the people around them.

We have a friendly and trained staff team so that you and your family can rest assured knowing your care and support needs are built around your individual needs and preferences. The care team at Bridgewater Day Care are highly trained in the care of adults living with a form of Dementia.

Transport, refreshments and a two-course, hearty, nutritious lunch can be provided.

We offer a FREE Day CARE taster session which can be booked for either morning before lunch, 10 am – 12 pm or for the afternoon session 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm.

Being close to the East Lancs A580, we are in the perfect location for all the North West, Cheshire and surrounding areas. Places are not just limited to the Golborne community.

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Please contact us if you would like to know more about the Bridgewater Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities and support that we provide for our clients:

Call:  01942 723115

Or email: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

We are open Monday-Friday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

We always manage to pack lots of fun and creative activities in at our Day Care Centre to cheer our lovely visitors up and bring a smile to their faces.

Bridgewater Day Care Centre offers a safe, friendly and relaxing place for adults with physical disabilities, older persons and those living with dementia to visit for the day and enjoy social interaction, cooked lunches, activities and lots more.

There is a range of ways that we encourage our clients to be active during their time spent at Bridgewater Day Care Centre in Golborne. Here is a snapshot of what we have been up to so far this year!

The Wisdom Tree

As we have such wise people who visit the Day Care Centre, we thought it was about time that we share some of their thoughts and created a ‘Wisdom Tree’ in January!

Our lovely clients made this and then added some of these inspirational quotes:

” Be Kind “ ( David )
” Do what makes you happy “ ( Joan )
“Go on holidays “( Marie)
“Help Others “ ( Mark )
” Look after children “ ( Arthur)
” Travel more “ ( Ruth)
“Don’t dwell on things “
” Do the best you can “
” Spend time with friends “

Birthday Cake in January

We celebrated the lovely Jenny’s birthday in January with some early valentine’s crafts and cake of course!

Lights, Action, Movie Fun! 

We love a bit of drama and have lots of willing people ready to join in!

Armchair Aerobics

At Bridgewater Day Care Centre we recognise that not everybody has the confidence or opportunity to exercise at home, and that is why we always do our best to provide lots of opportunities within our beautiful purpose-built centre.

In the morning, we often do an ‘armchair aerobics’ class, which involves some light stretching of our arms and legs, gets everyone moving but can be done in the comfort of a chair. This works well for us because it is a seated activity and all clients can take part if they want to.

Arts & Crafts

Some arts and crafts offer sensory stimulation, something that is proven to be beneficial for those living with Dementia.

“These Hands have …”

We asked some of our clients to tell us some things that their hands have done in life. This is such a creative activity that we all enjoy and it’s so interesting to learn what our lovely clients are involved in or have got up to in the past.

Lots of the activities that we do can become more than the initial exercise. This one involved socialising, thinking, imagination, painting, cutting, and the placing of objects.

Games & Quizzes

Dementia activities and gentle exercise can help those who are living with dementia access a higher standard of life. By improving different lifestyle aspects such as self-confidence and improved self-esteem, mental cognition, physical capability and more.

Although dementia can make life more difficult, by regularly stimulating your mind, body and soul, those with dementia can better maintain independence for longer.

It’s all about concentration and skill when it comes to a competitive game of Dominoes!

We also love a game of Bingo! Especially when one of our clients is the Bingo Caller!

Valentine’s Week 2022

We enjoyed some dancing, lots of games and ” love” themed quizzes and not forgetting a delicious lunch during Valentine’s week this year.

Valentines Day may traditionally be known as a time for romance, but we think it’s a great opportunity for showing love & gratitude to all those we care about at the Day Care Centre as well as a time to get creative!

Shrove Tuesday & St David’s Day – 1st March 2022

We had double celebrations and enjoyed decorating mini pancakes in the morning and some beautiful crafts.

Music & Dancing 

Music has proven to evoke emotional responses, as well as soothe and stimulate people mentally.

Kev, a family member of one of our team joined us at the beginning of March 2022, to play us all some tunes on his guitar and it was such a delight to have something different and allow our first external visitor into our centre! It really felt like the good old days.

St Patrick’s Day 

We love the preparations for St Patrick’s Day and these amazing hats and beards certainly looked the part! We just want to continue creating new memories and we love seeing our visitors enjoying themselves and dressing up if they want to!

Dementia Care 

A healthy diet, suitable exercise and cognitive stimulation have all been shown to have a positive impact on dementia symptoms and we work with our clients living with dementia to ensure they are getting the best possible care & stimulation whilst also meeting their personal choices and needs whilst visiting us at the Day Care Centre.

Meaningful social interaction can improve both mental and physical health and help to prevent or delay cognitive decline. Adult day care offers the chance to build new friendships and enjoy peer support.

Doing activities that focus on the five senses can be a good way to interact with someone with dementia and tap into memories. Sometimes we try to recreate childhood foods or do a taste test with favourite flavours- Baking apple pies are often popular!

Family carers often tell us that they feel guilty that they are even considering their own needs. However, you need to be fit and well, to be able to support others. The same is true for you in your caring role; self-care is paramount in being a carer.

Taking time off is vital for the health and well-being of the main carer for someone living with dementia and having time apart can help refresh and rejuvenate any relationship. Being able to recharge your batteries can leave you feeling more energetic, focused, and reinvigorated about your caregiving role.

We can also give you peace of mind that your loved one isn’t home alone but is in a supervised and safe environment.

Other Dementia Resources

The NHS – information and advice for people with dementia and their friends and families

The Alzheimer’s Society is a charity that has established a nationwide network of ‘Dementia Friends’. ‘Dementia Friends’ are members of the public who have pledged their support to take action in their local communities to help those living with dementia.

Dementia Uk has a Dementia Helpline for free on 0800 888 6678 for support from their dementia specialist Admiral Nurses. The Helpline is open from 9 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday to Sunday.

Age UK not only has a useful guide providing information and advice about dementia, but their involvement in communities across the UK means their support is available nationwide.

FREE DAY CARE TASTER SESSIONS AVAILABLE

Bridgewater Day Care Centre operates from Monday to Friday 10 am – 4 pm

We have highly trained Care & Support workers and the support we offer is tailored to each individual’s needs and wishes, whilst encouraging independence.

Transport, refreshments and a two-course, hearty, nutritious lunch can be provided.

We offer a FREE Day CARE taster session which can be booked for either morning before lunch, 10 am – 12 pm or for the afternoon session 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm.

Being close to the East Lancs A580, we are in the perfect location for all the North West, Cheshire and surrounding areas. Places are not just limited to the Golborne community.

To find out more about our wonderful space or to book a free 2-hour taster session, please contact our friendly team :

Tel: 01942 723 115           Email:info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

Bridgewater Adult Day Care Centre has been getting into the Christmas spirit this December, firstly with a beautiful snowy scene across the Day Centre windows, then we celebrated Elf Day and on Friday 10th December we loved wearing our festive knits for Christmas Jumper Day!

We were so happy to be part of this wonderful day and see lots of smiles on our lovely client’s faces!

Over the past 10 years Save the Children UK had 50 million people in jumpers and raised £27 million for children all over the world.

Staff at the Day Care Centre work hard to get everyone excited for the Christmas season and enjoy the whole Yuletide build-up. We want to give those who we care for and look after a very special Christmas, not just this year, but every year.

The Day Care team and clients went to lots of effort dressing up and had fun celebrating Elf Day 2021 on 3rd December whilst raising awareness and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society. 

There are approximately 400 types of dementia, with the most common types being Alzheimer’s’ disease and vascular dementia.

Caring for someone living with dementia changes every day. As a cognitive condition, dementia affects everyone in different ways. Someone living with vascular dementia will respond differently to a person living with frontotemporal dementia.

Our knowledge of our clients helps us to respond confidently and give the best care.

We had a fun-packed day with plenty of games, crafts, a tombola, dancing and of course a cake sale to raise money for people affected by dementia and their families.

Christmas & New Year Opening Hours

We have been informed by Wigan council transport services that there will be no transport available from 25th December to 3rd January and therefore, The Day Centre will be closed from Saturday 25th December 2021 and will re-open on Tuesday 4th January 2022.

If our clients and their families have any questions or concerns, then please do not hesitate to contact
us to discuss them.

Thank you so much to all our care team, clients, families, friends and supporters who have helped to bring cheer to a very challenging year at the Day Care Centre.

Our Day Care Centre in Golborne has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland, thanks to Scott and Snow Graffiti! As the days get colder and darker, we wanted to help our clients get into the Christmas spirit from the warmth of our Day Centre and Scott was able to help design a beautiful snowy scene across the Day Centre windows, for all to enjoy.

Scott from Snow Graffiti in Wigan designed and created the wonderful display, helping us to include some very special little touches such as the Bridgewater name, a forget-me-not-flower and special stars in remembrance of 2 of our much loved and missed Bridgewater Day Care colleagues.

It took three hours to complete and the audience, our clients, loved every minute watching the design come to life. Nothing was rushed and the design was specially designed for us.

The Care Manager of the Day Centre, Lisa, said:

 “We decided to do something extra special this year as we have not been able to do anything we are used to, due to the pandemic. We wanted to make sure Lesley and Ellie (who both sadly passed away earlier this year) were included within the design and they feature in two brightly shining stars in the sky.

I am so happy with how it has turned out, it looks amazing and Scott was so thorough, talking us through his design from start to finish. Thank you so much to Scott for transforming our day centre and adding some extra festiveness.”

Scott has also worked his magic and created a winter snow scene on the windows of the cancer care unit at Wigan Infirmary.

Welcoming New Clients

Bridgewater Day Care is currently taking on new clients to join our Day Centre in Golborne.

If you would like to find out more about the services we offer or arrange an introductory visit to the centre, please give our friendly team a call on 01942 723 115 or leave us a message with your contact details and we will get back to you.

The Day Care Centre operates from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.

Email: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

We have some very heart-breaking news to share with our Bridgewater family.

On Wednesday 23 rd June 2021, the world lost one of its very best, with the passing of Lesley Whittaker, taken from us too early at the age of 38.

Lesley joined the Bridgewater Day Care team in October 2018, and always brought joy to her colleagues and clients with her infectious laugh and bubbly personality.

Lesley touched so many hearts at the Day Care Centre. She would make everyone smile just by entering the room and she had a huge passion for caring for people.

Lesley’s family are in all our thoughts, and we will miss her greatly. Her legacy will live on.

We are putting together a photographic memory book of all the pictures that our staff have taken of Lesley, and we have arranged a collection of any donations which will be passed to Lesley’s family to go towards the funeral costs.

Bridgewater Day Care Centre Tel: 01942 723 115

Email: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk.

It’s Loneliness Awareness Week, hosted by Marmalade Trust, an annual campaign that raises awareness of loneliness and gets people talking about it. Older people are prone to experiencing loneliness as they age and after a difficult year of lockdowns, social distancing, and restrictions, more of us are experiencing loneliness than ever.

Loneliness is a normal human emotion; it is simply a sign of wanting contact with people. It is not a personal failing and it’s important not to blame yourself for feeling this way.

Many people experiencing grief also have feelings of loneliness or isolation, amplified this year with Covid restrictions earlier this year leaving many unable to access the support they need from friends and family.

The long-term impact of loneliness is only beginning to be fully understood but we do know that loneliness is associated with depression, sleep problems, impaired cognitive health, heightened vascular resistance, hypertension, psychological stress and mental health problems.

Research by the Co-op and British Red Cross shows that 92% of people think a sense of community has a role to play in supporting people experiencing loneliness.

At Bridgewater Day Care in Golborne, we aim to fight back against loneliness in the community. We support our day care clients to build strong bonds and friendships with their peers, as well as with our friendly and compassionate Care & Support Team.

Bridgewater Day Care Centre offers a safe community space in which to have fun, try a new activity, reminisce with friends, or simply sit back and enjoy being part of the lovely atmosphere. Many of our clients simply enjoy sitting with a cup of tea, enjoying the opportunity to be amongst company.

Our clients can enjoy sitting down and eating a hot meal of their choice together at lunchtime. Communal eating increases social bonding and feelings of wellbeing, as well as enhancing a sense of contentedness and belonging within the community. Our well-trained staff are able to assist with any personal needs so that everyone is included in sitting down for a meal together.

Our clients enjoy a wide variety of activities which include:

Singing and music

Arts and crafts

Games & enjoying the outdoor space

Large Cinema Screen /Movies

Themed Activities

Gentle Exercise

TESTIMONIALS

We also wanted to share these two lovely testimonials.

The first one is from the husband of one of our client’s during lockdown last year, which demonstrates just how much of a lifeline our day care centre is to many of our clients,

“I would like to thank all your staff for all the help they have given to my wife Sheila, it is of grave importance to me, that I know Sheila is being looked after so well. While we were in lockdown and the Central Day Centre , where Sheila was going too closed,( run by Wigan Council) Sheila became very unsettled at home; Sheila was very tired all the time and I found it very hard to entertain her and keep her active. When I found out that Bridgewater was still open, I asked if I could bring Sheila to Bridgewater Day Care. The improvement in Sheila’s health and mind were noticeable within the first week. Sheila has now been going to Bridgewater Day Care for the last four months, I am dreading that the Council might ask Bridgewater to close due to the Covid, I don’t want to be back in a situation where I am having to take Sheila shopping with me and putting her health at risk when I know I can take Sheila to a safe haven like Bridgewater Day Care and get on with the tasks of cleaning and shopping knowing Sheila is being well looked after. Being a carer 24/7 with no lifeline takes its toll out on me, I take Sheila to the Day Centre 3 times a week, it is the only respite I have and I would be totally lost without the help of Bridgewater Day Care.”

The second one was from the daughter of one of our lovely clients, in October last year,

“Aside from her family and faith, the one thing my Mum always talks about is the care, companionship and stimulation she gets from attending the Day Centre…”

The Day Care Centre is open from 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday and we are currently welcoming new clients.

If you would like to know more about Bridgewater Day Care Centre in Golborne or to discuss the activities and support that we can provide for your loved one, please contact us by phone at 01942 723 115 or email info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk.

Services – Bridgewater Day Care

Everyone at the Day Care Centre had a lovely time celebrating St George’s Day.

At Bridgewater Day Care Centre we encourage those living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s to stay engaged through activities that will keep them mentally stimulated. Lack of mental stimulation and boredom can lead to other health-related issues such as irritability, anxiety, and depression – but we know it’s entirely possible to live a happy life with dementia.

Arts and crafts can offer sensory stimulation, something that is proven to be beneficial for those living with Dementia. Creative activities such as painting, knitting and colouring are also highly therapeutic and easily allow your loved ones to express themselves.

We recommend participating in creative activities as much as possible to ensure that your loved one boosts their cognitive function by doing the things they enjoy.

Our clients may not do things at home but when they are in an environment like the Day Care Centre and they see others joining in around them, usually they feel more confident and will take part.

Further Information 

You can read more about our Services on this link.

Telephone: 01942 723 115 

Email:info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

The Day Care Centre operates from Monday to Friday, the hours of work required will be 2/3 days per week 9.30 am-4.30 pm.

You will be required to work in a flexible manner on a rota basis. Previous experience is not essential as what we need most are a Can-do attitude and a compassionate nature.

You will support people to maintain a healthy state of well-being mentally, physically and emotionally.

The support we offer is tailored to each individual’s needs and wishes, whilst encouraging independence.

You must be willing to embrace all aspects of the role, including the provision of personal care.

ROLE SUMMARY

•  To deliver high-quality care at all times to our clients
•  Attending to personal care – washing, dressing, bathing, toileting.
•  Supporting clients with meals/ drinks
•  Supporting them to pursue hobbies and interests
•  Monitoring healthcare needs, including assisting in the administering of medication and temperature checks
•  Understanding each individuals communication needs and communicating with families.
•  Maintaining accurate records for each client.

Further Information 

Telephone: 01942 723 115 

Email:info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

You can read more about our Services on this link.

Our Day Care Centre clients in Golborne have been very busy over the last few weeks with various stimulating activities, such as potting some lovely pansies, painting and decorating Easter crafts, enjoying some doll therapy and watching some classic movies.

Further Information 

You can read more about our Services on this link.

Telephone: 01942 723 115 

Email:info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

There are a range of ways that we encourage our clients to be active during their time spent at Bridgewater Day Care Centre in Golborne.

During the pandemic, we have missed having guests visit the centre to sing, dance, bring their pets in amongst other things, but we still manage to have fun, especially when it is celebrating an event!

Our clients may not do things at home but when they are in an environment like ours here at the centre and they see others joining in around them, usually they feel more confident and will take part.

We have loved decorating the Day Care Centre for St Patrick’s Day 2021 and providing lots of fun activities for all our wonderful clients to enjoy throughout the day.

Our Day Centre clients were able to paint their own Leprechaun plant pots and played fun team games as well as decorating pancakes with shamrocks on them!

Further Information 

You can read more about our Services.

Please contact one of our friendly team if you would like to know more about Bridgewater Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities and support that we provide for our clients:

Telephone: 01942 723 115 

Email:info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

All the Bridgewater Day Care team in Golborne, Wigan are Dignity Champions with the National Dignity Council which is why Dignity Action Day on 1st February 2021 is so important to us all.

Dignity Action Day #DAD2021 is an annual opportunity for health and social care workers, and members of the public to uphold people’s rights to dignity and provide a truly memorable day for people who use care services.

We like to make sure that treating all our Day Care clients with the utmost dignity is always at the forefront of our minds. At Bridgewater Day Care we use our ongoing training to seek out ways in which we can improve the quality of care for all our clients. Every individual, no matter what their personal circumstances, must be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve throughout their time at the centre.

Firstly, we follow something called the 10 Dignity Do’s, which have been created by numerous focus groups across the U.K. to find out what Dignity in Care meant to people.

Out of these focus groups came the values and actions that all high-quality services must follow to respect people’s dignity.

The 10 Dignity Do’s:

1. Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse
2. Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family
3. Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service
4. Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control
5. Listen and support people to express their needs and wants
6. Respect people’s right to privacy
7. Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution
8. Engage with family members and carers as care partners
9. Assist people to maintain confidence and positive self-esteem
10. Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation

How do we put these into practice?

We go to great lengths to uphold the highest ideals of dignity and respect for people’s privacy. We go above and beyond with our mandatory training.

That’s why all our carers have completed the Bridgewater Day Care induction programme, as well as an intensive training course in social care.  All our carers are required to provide three references and are subject to an enhanced DBS (formerly CRB) check and safeguarding of vulnerable adults check before supporting any of our clients.

The Great British Care Awards – Dignity in Care 

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration of excellence across the care sector. The purpose of the awards is to pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.

Bridgewater Day Care has won the Dignity In Care Award at the Great British Care Awards North West 2019!

Gill Sinar takes home the trophy!

Gill Sinar, who won this award demonstrated that she is an intrinsically caring lady who understands and values dignity in the person-centred care she provides to her clients. Gill is passionate about treating people with respect regardless of their individualism and she also supports her peers. Gill should be very proud of the role she is doing and the positive impact she has on her team and clients. Gill has previously been nominated for Dementia Carer of the year at the Great British National Care Awards in 2018. You can read more about Gill here.

Donna Edwards is a finalist at the Great British Care Awards 2020/21, in the North West region. She will find out if she has been successful in April. Donna always shows outstanding passion and commitment to making a difference.

Donna lives locally in Golborne and has worked at Bridgewater Day Care since the beginning of July 2017.

Donna values dignity in the person-centred care she provides to her clients and on receiving the news of her nomination told us :

“Being nominated for the Dignity in Care Award means the world to me, just for doing something that I love. I have the best Manager and a great team alongside me and I am proud to be recognised for what I love doing. I started at Bridgewater in 2017, having never worked in care but it turned out to be my dream job and I have never looked back. Taking care of and making sure our “family” at work is my main priority, to see them smile, happy and safe throughout the day is worth everything to me. Coming to work is like coming home, making a difference to our clients’ day has got to be the best feeling that I’ve had in my job.”

Good luck to Donna and all the finalists. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we see her lifting the trophy this year!

If you’d like to learn more about dignity in care, please get in touch today.  We’d be delighted to answer any questions you may have. You can contact the team on 01942 723115

email: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

We have a personalised care plan for each of our clients and by having continuity of carers we are able to quickly spot any changes in a client’s health and adapt the care plan and our care and support appropriately. We are able to quickly notify loved ones if anything new arises where we have received written permission from our client to share this information with you.

Nutrition 

At Bridgewater Day Centre, we focus our time and energy into working with nutritional experts and providers of meals tailored specifically for older persons to ensure that our clients receive a well-balanced, healthy and satisfying meal during their visit with us.

Eating a nutritious balanced diet and maintaining healthy body weight is just as important for people with dementia as anyone else.

Social distancing has been implemented for all clients – the seating area has been rearranged and at lunchtime, only two clients are allowed per table with 2-metre social distancing.

Physical Activity

At Bridgewater Day Care Centre we recognise that not everybody has the confidence or opportunity to exercise at home, and that is why we always do our best to provide lots of opportunities within our beautiful purpose-built centre.

We are huge advocates of the importance of exercise at any age, but in later years it can really improve a person’s overall quality of life. Studies show that when we exercise, we gain a whole host of benefits, both physical and mental. Did you know that even simple exercises can improve balance, increase bone density, build strength and stamina? Not only that but exercise has been shown to improve mood, improve self-confidence and promote restful sleep.

Within our schedule of activities, before the pandemic, we invited external agencies to provide activity sessions in the centre for clients with varied abilities, such as chair-based exercises or tasters in Zumba, Yoga or Tai Chi and much more. During the pandemic, we have focused on providing safe chair-based exercises to our clients.

Armchair Aerobics

In the morning, we often do an ‘armchair aerobics’ class, which involves some light stretching of our arms and legs, gets everyone moving but can be done in the comfort of a chair. This works well for us because it is a seated activity and all clients can partake should they wish.

The photos above were taken last year of some of our wonderful Day Care clients taking part in the armchair exercises and most importantly having fun!

Social Community and Hobbies

Bridgewater Day Centre’s core aim is to provide a ‘Home away from home’, a place where Clients can feel comfortable, relaxed and happy in an environment that encourages social interactions and simple fun times!

Enjoying hobbies and activities give a good feeling of wellbeing and increase mental stimulation. At Bridgewater Day Care we try to encourage painting and other artistic activities, as they can help people living with dementia express themselves in a non-verbal manner.

Activities are now done as a whole group to restrict contact between clients.  We have small bubbles for more complex needs with the same carer throughout the week. Creating a close and collaborative relationship means that carers are able to better understand our clients’ needs and how to support their wellbeing.

Mental Health

Isolation for people living with dementia can have a massive effect on their mental health, and day services like Bridgewater day Care are a lifeline to our clients and their families. Familiarity and regular routines are key to reducing distress, so receiving consistent support from our specially trained carers in the familiar Day Care environment is ideal wherever possible.

In the UK, 61% of people who have dementia are living in the community. (Source 1 ) .Confinement, isolation and many of the challenges brought about by the Covid pandemic have been found to be detrimental to the cognitive and mental health symptoms in people with dementia across the world, both those living in the community and care homes. (Source 2 )

People with dementia can find it harder to take part in activities, to engage socially, to maintain their independence, to communicate effectively, to feel in control and to care for themselves. Providing enjoyable and health-enhancing activities like music or reminiscence therapy can help with this.

At Bridgewater Day Centre we encourage our Clients to engage as much as possible in the activities they partake in and with fellow attendees socially. Mental stimulation is linked to slower cognitive decline. Activities can be adjusted as dementia progresses and at Bridgewater Day Care, we are able to source the activities needed for each individual client, subject to the limitations imposed by Covid to keep our staff and clients safe.

Making the most of our Tablets for mental stimulation

The Client reaction to the use of tablets at the Day Centre since their introduction has been nothing short of amazing. Clients have been able to do things that they never thought they would be able to do, which has decreased their anxiety, improved their confidence to find more about the ‘online world’, and improved their happiness and not to mention giving a huge sense of achievement.

Our tablets can play a huge part in supporting the wellbeing of less mobile clients, especially those who may struggle with vision or hearing, as these clients often struggle with group work. At Bridgewater Day Care, we can personalise these tablets for our individual clients, and with an understanding of their musical or movie preferences, we can create tailored playlists which help them relax, reminisce, or simply enjoy zoning out to some beautiful music.

This time can help to increase concentration as clients are clearly focusing on just one thing at a time. It is such a beautiful experience when we hear a client who may struggle to hold a conversation singing beautifully to the music on their playlist, such is the power of music!

Reminiscence Therapy is hugely beneficial to our clients, and the tablets provide us with access to many activities. We can use a variety of apps to bring back past hobbies – we even have a virtual flower garden where our clients can make their own garden from seed to planting and growing! We can visit any destination in the world and many clients love to look at countries they have visited or see pictures of places where they met their loved ones.

We truly hope that Bridgewater Day Care Centre helps our lovely clients in these challenging times by improving wellbeing and reducing isolation.

Further Information 

You can read more about our Services.

Please contact one of our friendly team if you would like to know more about Bridgewater Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities and support that we provide for our clients:

Telephone: 01942 723 115 

Email:info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

Christmas Jumper Day

TIME TO GET CREATIVE!

It’s that time of year again and with all the gloom of the Second Lockdown, we want to spread some early festive cheer with our creative competition.

We are asking young people and children aged 16 and under to design a Christmas Card for our Bridgewater Day Care centre with the winning entry receiving a £20 gift voucher (To be chosen by the winner), including their Christmas card illustration being professionally printed to send out to all our contacts!

Use anything you like from colouring pencils, paint, glitter, fabric, felt. We want you to be as creative as you like! 

Please note: Only one entry per person!

The Deadline

You just need to take a picture of your final masterpiece as entries must be submitted via digital format and saved as a high-quality JPEG or PNG file.

Send it to us by email with your name and age and contact details to info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk by 7 pm on Wednesday 25 November 2020.

(please make the subject title of your email: Christmas Card Competition).

We hope to feature all entries on our Facebook gallery and the winners will be chosen by our Facebook Community. The design that receives the most ‘Likes’ will be the winning design.

GOOD LUCK – GET MAKING!

If you have any queries about the competition contact our friendly Bridgewater Day Care Centre here.

We are absolutely thrilled that one of Bridgewater Day Care’s Support Workers, Donna Edwards will be a finalist at the Great British Care Awards 2020, in the North West region.

Donna has been shortlisted for the Dignity in Care Award. Last year, Gill Sinar at the Day Care Centre won the same award ! 

Donna, lives locally in Golborne and has worked at Bridgewater Day Care since the beginning of July 2017. Donna values dignity in the person-centred care she provides to her clients and on receiving news of her nomination told us :

“Being nominated for the Dignity in Care Award means the world to me, just for doing something that I love . I have the best Manager and a great team alongside me and I am proud to be recognised for what I love doing. I started at Bridgewater in 2017, having never worked in care but it turned out to be my dream job and I have never looked back. Taking care of and making sure our “family” at work is my main priority, to see them smile, happy and safe throughout the day is worth everything to me. Coming to work is like coming home, making a difference to our clients’ day has got to be the best feeling that I’ve had in my job.”

Donna’s Manager , Lisa Lehan told us how incredibly proud she was of Donna when she heard the news that she would be a Finalist for such a prestigious care award and added that :

“The Bridgewater Day Care team all work so incredibly hard and show outstanding passion and commitment to making a difference and going above and beyond in their care for our clients at the Day Care Centre.”

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration  of excellence across the care sector.  The purpose of the awards is to pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.

The awards are made up of twenty-one categories representing all areas of the social care sector, whether it be older people or specialist services, residential or home care. From frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training and innovation. The awards are all inclusive, bringing together the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers; promoting joint working. Working in partnership with care partners and local care associations is at the heart of the initiative; working and linking directly with local managers and networks to further promote the event.

The judging day will take place virtually this year in November due to the current pandemic.

Good luck to Donna and all finalists. Whatever happens Donna will always be a winner to us!

We will find out if Donna has won at a gala awards evening at The Midland Hotel, Manchester on Saturday, 24th April 2021.

You can read more about our Fantastic care team here .

Please contact one of our friendly team if you would like to know more about the Bridgewater Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities and support that we provide for our clients:

Call:  01942 723115

Or email: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

National Fitness Day is the most active day of the year and the day to celebrate the role that physical activity plays across the UK.

At Bridgewater Day Care Centre we recognise that not everybody has the confidence or opportunity to exercise at home, and that is why we always do our best to provide lots of opportunities within our beautiful purpose-built centre.

We are huge advocates of the importance of exercise at any age, but in later years it can really improve a person’s overall quality of life. Studies show that when we exercise, we gain a whole host of benefits, both physical and mental. Did you know that even simple exercises can improve balance, increase bone density, build strength and stamina? Not only that, but exercise has been shown to improve mood, improve self-confidence and promote restful sleep.

In the morning, we often do an ‘arm chair aerobics’ class, which involves some light stretching of our arms and legs, gets everyone moving but can be done in the comfort of a chair. This works well for us because it is a seated activity and all clients can partake should they wish.

Here are some photos taken recently of some of our wonderful Day Care clients taking part in the armchair exercises and most importantly having fun!

As little as 10 minutes of exercise a day can make us feel better, both physically and emotionally. And an activity that stimulates our brain can help us feel more alert. Being more active also helps keep bodies strong and flexible as they age, and can help alleviate conditions such a depression, stress, and anxiety. Maintaining physical activity, cognitive function and social interaction, all helps someone who has dementia to remain stimulated, feel valued and helpful.

For our Day Care Centre clients who are unable to attend at present, (except for those in self-isolation), at the moment, we’re all still allowed outside for exercise as long as we follow social distancing guidelines and stay two metres away from other people. Take this opportunity and get some fresh air – the mental health benefits of a walk outside can last up to seven hours! If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, use it for regular breaks to boost your mood. If you can’t get outside, try to open some windows for at least part of the day to encourage clean air to move through your room.

Please contact one of our friendly team if you would like to know more about Bridgewater Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities and support that we provide for our clients:

Call:  01942 723115

Or email: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

Please be assured that Bridgewater Day Care Centre has robust infection prevention and control measures in place to protect residents and staff.

Bridgewater Day Care is getting Crafty for Autumn.

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing colours, the nights are cooler, and Autumn is right around the corner and here at Bridgewater Day Care Centre we are getting ready for it!

We decided to do some fun Autumn-themed crafts with our lovely clients and here are the fabulous results of all their creativity.

Bridgewater Day Care Centre recognises the vital importance of meaningful occupation for our clients and we find that creative activities can boost mood and reduce anxiety.

We try and keep our projects simple enough that clients can do them without getting frustrated and so that creative activities help to boost self-esteem, provide a sense of achievement and pride.

The Alzheimer’s Society has highlighted stories about crafts and creative activities here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/categories/crafts-creative-activities

We also love this blog about Heather O’Neil’s mother who was diagnosed with dementia, and she decided to use creativity to help her.

Please contact one of our friendly team if you would like to know more about Bridgewater Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities and support that we provide for our clients:

📞 01942 723115

Or email: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

Please be assured that Bridgewater Day Care Centre has robust infection prevention and control measures in place to protect residents and staff.

Bridgewater Day Care’s specialist team of staff are trained in the latest techniques in the care of those living with a form of dementia and Alzheimer’s, and this knowledge is reflected in the level of care we provide at our Day Care Centre in Wigan.

We understand that this is a very worrying time and that you may be concerned about your loved ones but we want to provide you with peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to keep our clients safe, stimulated and comfortable when they attend Bridgewater Day Care Centre.

In the UK, 61% of people who have dementia are living in the community. (Source 1 ) . Confinement, isolation and many of the challenges brought about by the Covid pandemic have been found to be detrimental to the cognitive and mental health symptoms in people with dementia across the world, both those living in the community and care homes. (Source 2 )

It is more important than ever as winter approaches and the Covid rates in the North West start to increase again to ensure that both new and existing clients, receive exceptional care and support from the care specialist team at Bridgewater Day Care.

We have had no confirmed cases of COVID19 at the Day Care Centre and the Day Care Centre will continue to remain open, just as we have been since the start of the pandemic.

What we are doing to keep our clients safe during this time:

Bridgewater Day Care are following the latest Government Guidelines on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure our clients are as comfortable and safe as possible at the Day Care Centre. All of our care team receive comprehensive training which includes infection prevention, handwashing and the safe use and removal of required PPE.

Covid has presented Bridgewater Day Care and all care providers with an unprecedented range of complex and demanding issues, such as interpreting rapidly changing legislation and ensuring access to essential safety equipment such as PPE. Managing Director of Bridgewater Day Care, Phil Eckersley, has been meeting these demands head on and has led the implementation of Bridgewater’s responsive coronavirus strategy which ensures the safety of their clients and carers – focusing heavily upon infection control.

Phil commented “The biggest impact on the business has been managing the health and safety of our care team, office staff and our clients. It has been a challenging time acquiring enough PPE to meet the new standards and guidelines issued by the Government and Department of Health but we are proud to have a highly enthusiastic and hardworking team with a group of key suppliers who have ensured that it is ‘business as usual’ when caring for our clients and our staff in the safest way possible.”

Lisa Lehan, the Day Care Manager added “Our Day Care Centre certainly looks a little different and is also run very differently to how it used to be run pre-Covid. Adjustments have been made across the board to ensure safety for all as we have had to adapt our procedures to keep our clients and my team safe.”

The main changes are listed below that the Centre have implemented to protect our clients and our care specialists attending Bridgewater Day Care Centre:

☑️ PPE is worn at all times – masks, gloves, aprons, and visors.

☑️ Deep cleaning regimes are carried out throughout the day and also deep cleaning at the close of business.

☑️ No one is allowed in the building apart from staff and clients.

☑️ Hand sanitiser is used before entering the building and temperatures of clients and staff are checked – We have temperature guns so that every person who enters the Day Centre has a temperature check on their wrist (it’s not necessary on the forehead as we think that this would likely agitate or concern our clients if we did this) and their temperature is recorded in their care plan every day.

☑️ Hand sanitiser is provided and located around the Day Centre and clients are prompted to wash their hands and sanitise throughout the day.

☑️ There is a One-way system in and out of the Day Centre and also to and from the bathrooms.

☑️ Social distancing has been implemented for all clients – the seating area has been rearranged and at lunch time only two clients are allowed per table with 2 metre social distancing.

☑️ Activities are now done as a whole group to restrict contact between clients.  We have small bubbles for more complex needs with the same carer throughout the week. Creating a close and collaborative relationship means that carers are able to better understand our clients’ needs and how to support their wellbeing.

Reducing the impact of Isolation

Many of Bridgewater Day Care’s clients are people living with dementia who continue to live independently at home with the support of family carers or professional carers or both.

Familiarity and regular routines are key to reducing distress, so receiving consistent support from our specially trained carers in the familiar Day Care environment is ideal wherever possible.

A healthy diet, suitable exercise and cognitive stimulation have all been shown to have a positive impact on dementia symptoms and we work with our clients to ensure they are getting the best possible care whilst also meeting their personal choices and needs whilst attending our Day Care Centre.

Healthcare experts advise that people with dementia should take part in cognitive stimulation activities, ideally as part of a group structure. There is a broad range of activities available for people with dementia, so it is usually possible to develop a programme of cognitive stimulation that is tailored towards your loved one’s capabilities and interests.

Activities can be adjusted as the dementia progresses and at Bridgewater Day Care, we are able to source the activities needed for each individual client, subject to the limitations imposed by Covid to keep our staff and clients safe.

Maintaining healthy and strong relationships

We have a personalised care plan for each of our clients and by having continuity of carers we are able to quickly spot any changes in a client’s health and adapt the care plan and our care and support appropriately. We are able to quickly notify loved ones if anything new arises where we have received written permission from our client to share this information with you.

Bridgewater Day Care really hope that our carers continue to put smiles on people’s faces and that we have the privilege to make a difference to our clients’ lives every day with empathy, dignity, and comfort. To care for another person is a vocation that can be demanding but is always rewarding and our Day Care Team strive to maintain the strong relationships that they have built up with our existing clients and look forward to building relationships with new clients.

Please contact one of our friendly team to discuss any fears or concerns you have for yourself, your family or loved ones attending the Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities and support that we provide for our clients :

Call : 01942 723115

email: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

previous news article

It is now compulsory in England for anyone aged 11 or over to wear a face covering on public transport, in NHS facilities as a visitor or outpatient, or from 24 July 2020 inside shops, supermarkets and indoor shopping centres . It will also be compulsory to wear a face covering when buying food and drink to takeaway from cafes and shops.

You can read the Government advice about when to wear a face covering here.

Those with the following circumstances are exempt from wearing a face covering, regardless of the venue:

• children under the age of 11
• those with disabilities or the following health conditions:
  • breathing difficulties and other respiratory conditions
  • conditions affecting their dexterity, meaning they are not able to put on a face covering
  • mental health conditions such as anxiety or panic disorders
  • other non-visible disabilities such as autism
  • cognitive impairments, including dementia, who may not understand or remember the need to wear a face covering
  • visual impairments, with a restricted field of vision, particularly if any residual vision is at the lower edge of the normal field of view
  • impairments which would make it difficult to put on or take off a face covering safely, accurately, consistently or without pain

This list of exemptions is not exhaustive and extends to anyone with justifiable reason for not wearing one on the grounds of health or disability.

Wearing a face covering can help stop the spread of coronavirus. You must still keep your distance, and follow good hygiene.

Keeping hands clean and following good respiratory hygiene are crucial in helping to stop coronavirus spreading. This includes:

• washing hands often with soap and water (or, if this isn’t possible, a hand sanitiser)
• coughing or sneezing into a tissue (if you don’t have a tissue use your elbow – but not your hands)
• putting used tissues in the bin quickly
• not touching your face.

Handwashing is particularly important. The guidance suggests doing it when you get back home after being outside, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and before you eat or handle food. If you’re working, wash your hands when you get to work.

You must self-isolate and get tested if you become ill with coronavirus. Older people and those with dementia are at higher risk of severe illness if they catch coronavirus, so should be extra careful to follow guidance on staying safe.

Read the Alzheimer’s Society advice on what you can do to help loved ones with dementia understand the importance of face coverings.

Some people also like to wear a sunflower lanyard, which indicates hidden disabilities including dementia. These are becoming more popular and well-recognised in shops, there is more information about the scheme here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/hidden-disabilities-dementia-sunflow…

We also wanted to share this helpful infographic from the World Health Organisation about the correct way to wear your face covering .

Visit the World Health Organisation website for more information . 

Here at Bridgewater Day Care our primary concern is that older members of the community in and around Wigan benefit from companionship and friendship in a safe, secure environment. Our specialist team of staff are trained in the latest techniques in the care of those living with a form of dementia and Alzheimer’s, and this knowledge is reflected in the level of care we provide.

Healthcare experts advise that people with dementia should take part in cognitive stimulation activities, ideally as part of a group structure. There is a broad range of activities available for people with dementia, so it’s usually possible to develop a programme of cognitive stimulation that is tailored towards your loved one’s capabilities and interests.

Activities can be adjusted as the dementia progresses and at Bridgewater Day Care we are able to source the activities needed for each individual client.

In our Day Care Centre, based in Golborne, our clients enjoy a wonderful selection of activities to encourage friendships to form with both Carer’s and peers. There is no pressure for our clients to take part in any activity but we find there is usually something to suit everyone! Clients in our Day Care Centre can choose to take part in some of the following:

☑️ board games, particularly those involving adding or counting
☑️ word games, such as crosswords, word searches or Scrabble
☑️ number games, such as Sudoku
☑️ other games, such as cards, dominoes, darts and chess
☑️ jigsaws
☑️ art
☑️ creative tasks, like knitting
☑️ cooking/baking
☑️ dancing
☑️ reading
☑️ music therapy
☑️ playing musical instruments or sing a longs
☑️ reminiscence work

to name but a few!!

Isolation for people living with dementia can have a massive effect on their mental health, and day services like Bridgewater are a lifeline to our clients and their families.

Even before the coronavirus outbreak, one in five of us claimed to feel lonely often or for some of the time. Loneliness, with a multitude of causes and effects, requires equally broad solutions.

Humans are social creatures, so being forced to self-isolate can really take its toll on our mental health.

If loneliness is affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help on the NHS website. If these don’t make things easier for you, your GP will be able to offer further advice. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

The most common signs of loneliness are:

• An overwhelming feeling of isolation
• Feeling tired or low energy
• Falling or staying asleep
• Lack of interest in food
• Feelings of anxiety
• Feeling hopeless or increased feelings of depression

Mental Health UK have developed some useful information and tips to help people manage their health during the coronavirus outbreak.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION/LINKS

Details and phone numbers of other organisations and charities who can help are shown below:

• Age UK – information and advice about coronavirus

• The Silver Line – helping provide info, advice and friendship to Older People

• Dementia UK  has a video which provides calming techniques which may help a person with dementia as well as their carer. This includes a breathing technique known as the signal breath. The Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline includes providing critical emotional and practical support to carers affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

• Campaign to End Loneliness has launched a new report which brings together the research with views and experiences of older people, policy makers, and organisations who work with older people : The Psychology of Loneliness. 

• NHS – Every Mind Matters – Simple ideas to maintain mental wellbeing while at home

• The Marmalade Trust are dedicated to encouraging people to understand more about loneliness, one conversation at a time.

• Shout: Confidential 24/7 crisis text support. Text “SHOUT” to 85258 or visit Shout Crisis Text Line

• UK Government – COVID 19 Guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing

• MIND: Mind has tips and support on its website. Coronavirus and your wellbeing | Mind, the mental health…

• The Mental Health Foundation hosts Mental Health Awareness Week.

• Rethink – Advice for people living with severe mental illness

• COVID-19 – Staying Mentally Well – Simple steps you can take to try to look after your emotional wellbeing

• CALM: The Campaign Against Living Miserably, for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason. Call 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight). Free, anonymous webchat with trained staff or visit the CALM website

• Samaritans: Call free on 116 123 or visit the website

• NHS 111: Non-emergency advice is available online (Only call 111 if you cannot get help online). People with hearing problems can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) service.

• Simple Self-Soothe Strategies – Introduces you to five simple strategies for relaxation and self-soothing which can be used by adults or children

It is our absolute priority to keep the Bridgewater family safe and well during this time. Bridgewater Day Care has all the required procedures, PPE supplies and hygiene standards in place to protect clients and our care specialists attending our Day Care Centre.

Only clients and staff are allowed at the day care centre at present .

Please contact one of our friendly team to discuss any fears or concerns you have for yourself, your family or loved ones attending the Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities that we provide for our clients : 📞 01942 723115 or email : info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk .

Bridgewater Day Care have been featured in Wigan Today with our Day Care centre Manager thanking staff for their work during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Read the full article here

We are so proud of every single one of our staff members for the work they do and the care they continue to provide

The impact of COVID19 continues to disrupt routines for many people and there is widespread concern especially for vulnerable people and the elderly. 

Bridgewater Day Care will continue to provide the best care for our clients, we firmly believe that our day care service is essential in these difficult times to prevent isolation, depression and to keep a routine as much as possible.  We are up to date with government guidelines and continue to make our centre a safe and secure environment for all our clients, our focus is to support those in need.

If you have any concerns please contact the centre direct on 01942 723115 our staff will always be available to help.

Nutrition and Hydration week is an annual event that highlights the importance of food and drink and the role that good nutrition and hydration play in our health, energy levels and quality of life.

Here are our top 10 tips for making sure that we all stay hydrated and are eating correctly and well.

1. 1) Drinking plenty throughout the day helps improve skin, concentration, balance, memory, energy and mood.
2. 2) Aim for 6-8 drinks per day (200ml each –a normal cup or glass size).
3. 3) Keep a water bottle with you.
4. 4) Drink after meals rather than before to avoid feeling too full or bloated.
5. 5) If you worry about going to the toilet at night, drink earlier in the day
6. 6) If you find it hard to eat a big meal that’s ok, just eat little and often. 6 small meals are as good as 3 big meals
7. 7) Try to eat more on the days or the times during the day when you feel more like eating, e.g. if you are most hungry in the morning, try having a bigger breakfast.
8. 8) Even if you are not feeling up to cooking there are lots of ways to make sure you are still eating healthy and filling meals
9. 9) Finger foods can help you to eat well.
10. 10) It is helpful to keep track of your weight so you can spot any changes early. Why not buy some scales and record your weight once a week or once a month?

Changes in abilities that come with dementia can make it hard to continue with activities and hobbies. Focusing on how to change the activities so that they are enjoyable can reduce agitation and anxiety, making the activities a little easier and less confusing just by showing and giving a helping hand.

Here at Bridgewater Home Care we have a few simple steps to ensure that our clients can still enjoy their hobbies and activities:

Simple and unhurried activities are best. Give the time and space necessary to allow the person to do as much as possible. Focus on one thing at a time. Communicate one instruction at a time. Breakdown activities into simple, manageable steps.

Our clients may not do things at home but when they are in an environment like ours here at the centre and they see others joining in around them they feel more confident and will take part. Enjoying a hobby reduces the risk of depression, improves physical health and increases socialization. Having dementia does not mean that a person can no longer enjoy familiar and new activities.

We have been able to achieve so much as we have the time to spend with clients, we are able to source the activities needed for each individual client, for example –

• We got a piano so one client could start to play again after years of refusing to play at home
• We got a lady to start knitting again and she knitted over 30 bonnets for the premature babies at a local hospital
• We got a gentleman to ballroom dance again by getting his long lost dancing partners to the day centre

These are just a few achievements that prove that Day Care is so important and has a huge impact on those living with dementia.