Bromley F.C. is hosting its first dementia friendly match, thanks to a partnership local home care company Home Instead Bromley, Chislehurst & Orpington.
Bromley F.C. is hosting its first dementia-friendly match, thanks to a partnership with local home care company Home Instead Bromley, Chislehurst & Orpington, helping football fans living with dementia keep their passion for the beautiful game alive.
Home Instead is working with Bromley F.C. Community Trust to make the football club’s match against Chesterfield F.C. on April 22nd more accommodating for older people. The home care company is providing a dementia awareness talk for employees at the club which will cover how to communicate effectively with spectators living with dementia. Armed with knowledge and practical skills about the condition, staff will ensure that attendees feel comfortable, safe, and happy enough to enjoy the match.
Feelings of confusion and memory loss are common dementia symptoms, so Home Instead and the Trust will work together prior to the game to ensure that attendees feel at ease. They will replace signage in the toilets at Hayes Lane to make them clearer and more accessible. On matchday, members of the team at Home Instead will meet attendees living with dementia at the turnstiles before taking them to their seats.
Karina Brown, owner of Home Instead Bromley, Chislehurst and Orpington, says: “At Home Instead, we provide care at home to older people and we know how important it is for those living with dementia to maintain their hobbies and interests for as long as possible. Sport is such a huge part of so many of our lives, and if we can make it a more accessible experience for those living with dementia, then that is a great step forward for Bromley F.C. and the whole community.”
Matt Hall, head of community at the Bromley F.C. Community Sports Trust says: “We’re incredibly excited to work with Home Instead on this wonderful initiative. With the introduction of our dementia-friendly ‘Sporting Memories’ sessions, we have seen a real need for football to provide for people with dementia. This special matchday ties in nicely with the wider work we are doing with older people and those with dementia, and we’re keen for it to have a long-lasting effect. We’re very much looking forward to meeting everyone on the day.”
Bromley F.C. is offering complimentary tickets for people in the community living with dementia who are keen to attend the match. Contact [email protected] or call on 020 8658 2535 to apply for a ticket. Tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Home Instead Bromley, Chislehurst & Orpington is the only home care company in the borough rated as Outstanding by the CQC. It provides a range of care, including personal care, such as help with dressing and bathing, live in care and companionship. They have also launched a home nail-cutting service for older or disabled people who struggle with mobility, enabling them to maintain personal hygiene and prevent infection without having to leave the house.
To find out more about Home Instead’s care services, call 020 8658 2535 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/bromley-chislehurst-orpington/