Cotman House Care Home Launches Dementia Friendly Cinema Club For The Local Community
Cotman House Care Home in Felixstowe is making the magic of the movies accessible to a whole new audience with the introduction of a Dementia Friendly Cinema Club.
Resident Ambassador Margaret Joins Mayor for Ribbon Cutting
The Club, which will offer free screenings once a month to members of the general public, was officially launched by Councillor David Rowe, the Mayor of Felixstowe. The ribbon-cutting event was also attended by Cotman’s very own Resident Ambassador Margaret Hewson, and Evelyn Catto, Manager from the Felixstowe Integrated Neighborhood Team who are supporters of the latest community initiative from Cotman House.
The Dementia Friendly Cinema Club was inspired by the success of film afternoons put on by the Wellbeing Team for residents at the care home. Taking this one step further, the Club has been designed specifically for film fans from the local community who are living with dementia.
Popcorn-Flavoured Smoothies a Hit with the Audience
Taking its cue from what is popular with Cotman House residents, the screening list will feature musicals and films that evoke reminiscence, while dementia-friendly modifications will include brightening the screen and modifying the sound. The cinema room is a cosy space with chairs designed for sitting in comfort and to enhance the experience, popcorn or popcorn-flavoured smoothies will be served. Team members trained in dementia care will be on hand to support and there are accessible toilets close to the cinema room.
Cotman House Manager, Kirsty Allan, said: “We are thrilled to have launched our Dementia Friendly Film Club and encourage movie lovers in the local area to join us for a relaxed film experience in an environment that’s tailor-made for those living with dementia. We know that many care homes in the area offer dementia friendly film screenings for their residents so we’re not re-inventing the wheel – we just wanted to take something that our residents love and offer the same experience to the local community.”
First Friday Screenings Every Month
The Dementia-Friendly Film Club, which will run on the first Friday of every month between 2.00pm and 3.00pm. It launched on 4th October with a screening of ‘Miss Potter’ – a beautiful film based on the life of much-loved children’s author Beatrix Potter. The film was very well received by the Club’s first audience, who were also delighted to be served popcorn, cakes and drinks to the tables by their seats – “Just like the trendy cinemas do”, one remarked!
There are 12 seats available for each screening which can be booked in advance by contacting Chantal on 07747 898 123 or emailing at [email protected]. You’ll find all you need to know about planned screenings on the Cotman House Facebook page.
If you would like to connect with the Cotman House team on dementia more generally, you’ll also find details of their monthly Dementia Café where individuals affected by dementia, their families and caregivers can meet to connect, share experiences and find support.
Discover Cotman House
Cotman House Care Home is situated within the beautiful seaside surroundings of Felixstowe and our environment is matched by the standard of care we deliver, where care is not just a service, but a commitment tailored to every resident. Our focus goes beyond the physical; we extend our care to encompass the unique needs of each individual, whether it's assisting with memory loss, providing specialised dementia care, or offering support with end-of-life care.
At Cotman House, we understand the challenges families face during difficult times, and that's why we take pride in our accreditation for 'End of Life' care. We're here to support not only your loved ones but your entire family through this journey.
Our vibrant and happy home isn't just about the physical space; it's a thriving community. Perfect for those who may be feeling lonely, Cotman House fosters an environment where residents find companionship and joy.
