Home Instead community champion shortlisted for prestigious national award
Local care company director Jay Thapa has been shortlisted for a Dementia Care Award. It recognises his pioneering initiative giving older people from diverse backgrounds a safe space to come together, overcome language and cultural barriers, and help one another as they face similar challenges such as dementia.
Jay from Home Instead Greenwich & Bexley founded the Diverse Dementia Grow Project 11 years ago, which began as a simple community garden in Greenwich. Over the years it has become a vital hotspot for people with dementia and their families to mix with likeminded people, grow food and share recipes from their own cultures.
Now a place for people from a diverse set of backgrounds, the garden has become a model for intercultural dementia care, particularly people with little or no English, using mutually loved activities to foster connections and build relationships.
It’s little surprise why Jay has been shortlisted for a ‘Diversity and Dementia Award’ which celebrates people who make dementia accessible to all, regardless of background and culture.
The Dementia Care Awards celebrates excellence amongst those that support people living with condition, from the people leading innovation to those at the front line delivering care.
Jay says: “We’re proud to be based in a diverse area and support clients from a range of backgrounds. There might be language and cultural barriers, but the desire for companionship and to support one another is universal. That’s what our Diverse Dementia Grow Project achieves.
“From a Nepalese family myself, I understand how important it is that we have these spaces to encourage integration, particularly amongst older people who are more prone to feeling isolated. I’m proud to see our garden transform people’s lives, giving older people in the area with dementia, and their families, the support they need but also the fun activities that they deserve.
“It’s an honour to be nominated for a Dementia Care Award. I and so many people in the sector will continue to support people with dementia, by offering them care tailored to their condition, hosting activities to give them a sense of fun and companionship, and educating the wider community about dementia and how we can help.”
Home Instead has care professionals that are specially trained to support people with dementia at home, making it possible for them to stay living whether they love best in their later years and receive the help they need.
The glitzy ceremony will take place on 19th June at the Hilton London Bankside, bringing together various people from Home Instead and across the care sector.
To find out more about Home Instead Greenwich and Bexley and the quality home care services they provide across the area, please call 0203 7718424 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/greenwich-bexley/.