Middleton Park Lodge Marks One Year of Reconnect Community

It feels like only yesterday since Middleton Park Lodge launched its first Reconnect community, but September 18^th marks a year of the community being open! And what better way to celebrate the occasion than with an all-day party that brings joy, laughter, and…exotic animals to the people who live in the community!

Yes, you heard that right! The first anniversary was an all-day event, and had a little bit of everything—from cake and dancing to a special appearance by some truly unique guests courtesy of Loulabelle’s Jungle. Residents and their loved ones were treated to an unforgettable day, with animal encounters that sparked fond memories and some new experiences.

Louise Stevens, owner at Loulabelle’s Jungle brought along Sprout the tortoise and Athena the python, geckos, other snakes and a tenrec – a mammal that looks like a hedgehog.

Our people learnt all about each animal and how best to handle them, what they like to eat and what habitats they live in.

Bobbie Talbot, who lives at the home, reflected on his childhood antics after holding Athena the python: “I grew up in the countryside and I would always play with grass snakes; my mother would always shout for me to put them down! It was fun being able to hold one again as I haven't had the chance to in many years.”

 Patricia Burton reminisced on her travels: “I saw hundreds of geckos that looked like this when I visited Sicily with my family. The kids would always try to catch them but, they were always too fast.”

But the party didn’t stop with the animals. It continued in full swing with a mouth-watering buffet and a showstopping cake.

 Local entertainer Trevor Woodhead had everyone up on their feet, ensuring the good vibes kept rolling. It was a true celebration of community, of coming together, and most importantly, of all the memories that have been made in the past year.

Paulina Drzewiecka, Home Manager summed it up beautifully, saying, “This celebration shows that dementia doesn’t diminish a person’s capacity for joy and connection. Our community brings people together and focuses on what they can do, not what they can’t. We have had an incredible year and I can’t wait celebrate many more milestones in the future”

Our Reconnect communities offer genuine inclusion by supporting residents to remain independent, engaged and interested in daily activities of their choosing. Spaces are designed to help residents remain independent and live a full life, with the support of our incredible dementia-friendly team. With arts & craft spaces, laundry rooms, gardening equipment and even a DIY workshop, residents at Middleton Park Lodge Nursing Home are encouraged to engage in hobbies they've always loved, like painting or sewing. We aim to support people living with dementia to reconnect with their past and remain active, whilst our fully-trained carers and nurses assist with daily care requirements.

Don’t take our word for it! Check out Mr Carrington’s remarkable transformation after just a couple of months in a reconnect community: https://orchardcarehomes.com/news/mr-john-carrington-a-true-testimony-of-reconnect-community-success

If you would like to find out more about Middleton Park Lodge, click the link below: