A CHESHIRE care home that specialises in dementia care has launched a new initiative to help those living within its community to remember former residents who have passed away.
Many of the residents at Orchard Care’s Three Bridges in Warrington who lived at the care home and have passed away either served in or lived through conflicts such as World War II.
To show respect and encourage remembrance amongst current residents, the home has installed an illuminated poppy tree ahead of Remembrance Sunday, with each poppy pinned to the tree representing a past resident who has died.
Home administrator Wendy Allison said: “We felt it was important to not only remember those we have lost in conflict but also our much-missed residents, many of whom lived through times of war.
“A dedicated poppy with the name of each passed resident on a lit tree was not distressing for our current residents to see, but is encouraging them to reminisce and access their memories.
“Many visitors have said it is a beautiful tribute and we have shared photos of individually named poppies to the families of those who have passed.
“My first experience of losing a resident opened my eyes to a side of care I knew nothing of. The calmness in the room, the genuine grief at their passing and the kindness shown to the relatives.
“Staff were all moved to tears, yet within minutes had to get on and support the other residents. Resilience at its best. This tree is also an important initiative for our staff as well as our current residents, allowing the whole community to talk fondly about people who we cared for so deeply.”
