Women's Institute makes bags and blankets for Avalon Nursing Home residents

Hazel Hillman and a group of volunteers at the Somerset County Federation of Women's Institutes have sewed and knitted for Avalon Nursing Home inhabitants.

The bags are personalised to the residents and helps them identify which walking frame belongs to them.

They also make it easier for residents to store and transport important items such as glasses, books, and mobile phones.

Lisa Priddice, activities co-ordinator for Avalon, said: “All our residents have their own unique tastes and are happiest when being able to express themselves, so they love being able to show who they are through these items’ colours, patterns and logos.

“Having multiple walking frames in a care setting can cause confusion for people living with dementia, so it’s important to keep things like mobility aids immediately identifiable as your own.

“The blankets are great too – giving residents the immediate reassurance to think ‘Mine!’ when they enter their room.

“A huge thank-you to Hazel and all the other volunteers at the WI for their hard work with this project – it's a perfect example of the person-centred approach we take to ensure our residents live their best lives.”

Hazel Hillman and Lisa Priddice. Picture: Empica (Image: Empica)

Hazel and her group of volunteers are regular visitors to local care homes, hospitals, and schools that support vulnerable people.

Avalon has a year-long programme in place to engage residents physically and through the senses, which is integral to quality dementia care.

Choosing their personalised walking aid storage bags and blankets formed part of this initiative.

Avalon is run by award-winning dementia care provider Camelot Care, which has other specialist homes in Wellington and Plymouth.

For more information, visit www.camelotcare.co.uk.