Everyday moments at Church Farm.
Keeping mentally and physically stimulated is an important way to promote well-being in dementia care, as is the importance in retaining identity and purpose, at Church Farm Care, we strive to create individual programmes of activities that enable this.
John's story
John loves to keep busy gardening, keeping independent, going out for walks, and he helps so much around the home. He’s often found helping out our Maintenance Man John, so we’ve made sure he always has the tools he needs to work on projects large and small.
Ron's story
Ron and his brother once ran a farm, where they would take vegetables to the market early in the mornings. The brothers also kept a steam engine, he loves visiting the local Keyworth Show in our minibus to see the engines on display.
Ron enjoys being outdoors and often helps with various projects around the home. Our vegetable gardens at Rusticus offer a great opportunity to connect the things he loves in life.
Hilda's story
Hilda, a former dance and keep-fit instructor, remains passionate about staying active through dance. She and her husband performed on stage many times, singing and dancing with local groups and societies.
Hilda continues to embrace her love for dancing and often takes an online keep-fit class using our portable touch table. She also encourages other family members to join in, which has not only lifted her mood but also sparked fond memories of past performances and classes.
Physical activity, especially for those with dementia, can enhance strength, balance, flexibility, and mental health, while also reducing the risk of falls.
Alex's story
Alex lost his dad in action when he was only two years old so annually selling poppies has always been very important to him. As this was something so close to his heart, we made it our mission for Alex to still be able to continue with this tradition whilst living here at Church Farm.
We do this by creating an area with high foot traffic through our home where Alex sits and offers poppies to staff, family members and visitors. This gives Alex a sense of purpose and pride still being able to do his part for the Royal British Legion in his Fathers’ name.
Meet John Fernie, our family member at Skylarks, a former scientist and keen painter.
Long before his 50-year career as a chemist, John
started drawing and painting at primary school.
Using whatever was available, he would paint wild plants, flowers and birds. Now, John uses art as a way to relax and he draws inspiration from all around him painting “whatever I fancy”.
Anjelina, dementia friend at Skylarks said: “We
encourage John to paint. He thinks in pictures,
and while science is his first love, this ability helps
with his paintings and drawings.”
Keith's story
Keith finds great joy in the simple, grounding rhythm of gardening. Tending to his flowers and being in the garden gives him a sense of purpose and achievement. One of his favourite weekly outings is a trip to the local garden centre. He loves walking around the aisles, exploring new plants and garden ornaments.
Staff support Keith during these visits, helping him choose the right tools or plants and making sure he has everything he needs to continue doing what he loves. It’s a small things that brings so much happiness. Nurturing not just the garden area, but his sense of independence and connection to the community.
We believe that the beauty of life is found in its quietest moments — a gentle smile, a shared glance, or simply sitting side by side with someone you love.
For Ann and Tom, a married couple who have shared a lifetime of memories, each day still holds space for love, connection, and tenderness.
At Wren Hall, we treasure these everyday expressions of care and affection. Ann and Tom show us that person-centred care isn’t just about routines and needs — it’s about nurturing relationships, honouring history, and celebrating the everyday love that makes life meaningful.
