Our Dementia Day Care Service supports some of Edinburgh's most vulnerable people. This service helps reduce the isolation and stigma of the person living with dementia and also provides respite for carers. This vital break can promote independent living and sustain families in their community for longer.
Each week, we welcome up to 70 clients, with 3,500 places available every year. During their day, clients enjoy art classes, appropriate fitness activities, reminiscence, music, dance and a nutritious, homemade lunch prepared by our chef and associate nutritionist. These group activities foster friendships and keep minds and bodies active.
Mary and William Story
Mary was referred to our Day Care Service when a social care worker recognised that her husband, William, was struggling to look after her himself. At first, she really didn’t want to come to the Centre and was reluctant to join in with the activities. After a few weeks, she settled in and began to look forward to her time with us. While Mary was enjoying days out, watercolour classes, singing, and seated exercise, William was getting a much-needed break from his role as primary carer.
William used the time that Mary spent at the Centre to play sports, shop and catch up with friends. These activities, which most of us take for granted, become a luxury for carers who are looking after their loved ones. These precious hours helped to overcome the social isolation that both Mary and William were experiencing before Mary started coming to Day Care.
Mary attended Day Care for five years. This allowed her to stay at home in the care of her family and community much longer than she would be able to, had this vital service not been available.
Sadly, Mary has now passed away from complications relating to her dementia; but her family takes comfort in knowing they were able to look after her for as long as possible. By helping to keep Mary out of the clinical environment, the Eric Liddell Centre Day Care Service gave her Mary and her family several additional years of quality time.
All this is made possible through donations from people like you!