Jackie resides at Signature at The Beeches and recently qualified as our newest My Life Ambassador. Jackie said: “I very much enjoy the fun our residents bring to my life. As a dementia ambassador, I spend quality time with our residents, for example having lunch once a week and helping them to make menu choices. I also use colouring books to inject as much colour as possible, as in my experience, our residents love bright colours. My passion as an ambassador is shared in equal measure between our residents and learning about dementia itself. I’m so grateful that I’m able to be in this position, offering help and guidance. I aim to give all I can and wear my badge with pride.”

Signature’s “My Life” program is a bespoke Dementia Care pathway, offering residents a person-centred, sympathetic and responsive approach to living with dementia. Developed by Signature’s Head of Dementia, Michele Saunders, this approach encourages an innovative, warm and welcoming dementia community.

Michele explained: “Doing what we love to do and can continue to do is so stimulating and satisfying; when painting and colouring we can switch our minds off and fully concentrate on creating a beautiful picture for ourselves which is meaningful and offers pleasure to so many. These activities are known to improve mood and reduce stress as well as promoting socialisation, as anyone and everyone can join, especially families, children and grandchildren. It allows an opportunity for self-expression and creativity, and it improves motor function. It is so lovely to have our second resident ambassador in Signature encouraging this type of activity for our residents living with dementia and I look forward to seeing the end products on display!”

Signature at The Beeches is a luxury care home in Brentwood, Essex, offering assisted living, nursing, respite and dementia care. To arrange a personal tour of our home, please visit our website. Or, follow us on Facebook to find out more about life at The Beeches.