Greater Access to Community Worship For Lancashire Residents with On-site Chapel

Residents from Penwortham Grange & Lodge in Lancashire, have been benefiting from a new on-site multi-faith chapel, after significant investment was made in the home to create an enhanced setting that meets the religious and spiritual needs of residents and their relatives. The chapel came off the back of a consultation with residents, who expressed a desire to have greater access to local community worship. After a quiet room in the home was identified as being rarely used, investment was granted to develop it into a space for worship, relaxation, and contemplation. A number of dementia-friendly features have now transformed the space into a bespoke multi-faith chapel, including battery-operated candles, bright paintwork, a new carpet, and chairs re-upholstered in purple velvet, encouraging a theme of relaxation and contemplation. There is also a wooden altar, and a chest containing religious materials such as prayer beads, a Qur’an, and a Bible. Weekly services are held either via a live-stream on a newly installed HD Smart TV, or delivered in person by local religious figureheads. Home Manager Mellisa Thompson comments, “We are delighted with the positive response to the chapel, which was previously being used as a quiet room, and had become a bit tired and unused. “The room has now become a replenished focal point in the home, not only allowing residents to practice their faith in a safe and welcoming environment, but also offering a place of solace for those receiving end-of-life care, and their relatives. “Faith is an important part of many of our residents’ lives, and access to worship is key to ensuring the delivery of person-centred care. We have live streams available from all local places of worship, as well as a Minister who attends each week to present an Ecumenical service.”  To keep up to date with news from the home, follow us on Facebook and YouTube.