Pupils learn about dementia from care home staff

SCHOOL children have been learning about dementia from visiting care home staff who look after those with the condition every day.

Ingleby Care Home activities coordinator Kirsty Walsh and unit manager Cassie McCloskey visited St Thérèse of Lisieux R C Primary School to talk to pupils.

Both the care home and school are based on Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick, near Middlesbrough, and have taken part in joint activities previously.

The school’s year five and six teachers contacted the home to ask if anyone could visit to explain the types of dementia and how it can affect people in different ways.

There was also an opportunity for the children to ask questions, which included “does everyone get dementia”, “is it only old people that develop it” and “can they still remember things”.

After the session at the school, pupils made a special visit to Ingleby Care Home, where they played ball games, read and sang with residents.

One resident, Shirley Naylor, even danced with the school pupils in the home’s specialist dementia suite.

Kirsty said: “We were delighted to be asked to talk to the pupils about dementia. They were very attentive and curious. They had some excellent questions.

“With an ageing population, there are more and more people being diagnosed with dementia, so it’s important to understand the difficulties and challenges it can present so we can better support those with the condition.

“It was fantastic to then welcome the pupils’ to the home. They brought so much energy and enthusiasm. The residents thoroughly enjoy their company and loved every minute playing games, reading, singing and dancing.

“We all look forward to further activities with the school in future.”