We offer a different type of support, specifically to help improve interaction within small groups of up to six guests, in the family home of our hosts.
Our aim is to create an environment which minimises anxiety, which is conducive to making friends, rebuild lost confidence and ultimately remain a valued member of the community.
Perhaps you find meeting new people unsettling. Therefore, we would be delighted to welcome your partner or carer to join you on the first day for a coffee. We are also happy for you to have a trial day to see whether we are the right fit for you.
The day begins with your host coming to pick you up by car from your home from 9.30am onwards. You may be joined by other guests along the way, and some may arrive via other means.
On arrival, you will be offered a cup of tea or coffee. There will be time to relax and enjoy meeting or catching up with the other guests. The day will unfold at its own pace. Your host will design the day with your interests, needs and abilities in mind. Weather permitting, you may be able to enjoy the garden and even try a spot of gardening. Ultimately, each group is different.
The host will endeavour to ensure the day goes smoothly, that every guest enjoys the day. This includes the range of activities offered, the delicious home-cooked lunch and, most importantly, the friendships.
Sitting down together to enjoy a two-course lunch is one of Tapestry Day Club’s highlights. We believed that a lunchtime hot meal brings a sense of well-being and contentment. Lunching among friends is one of life’s simple but important pleasures. It is an experience that should never be rushed.
You may even be one of our guests who enjoys becoming involved in the food preparation. Our aim is to give you the utmost attention, stimulation and fun, while at the same time respecting your needs, interests and space.
After lunch, your host will serve tea or coffee. The day may be rounded off with a game, perhaps scrabble, dominoes or bird bingo. Alternatively, you can just spend time unwinding, sharing stories and memories, or just having a general chat – whatever you prefer.
Your host will drive you home from 2.30pm onwards, having had, we are certain, a stimulating and fun day out.
As a registered charity, Tapestry Day Club operates on a significantly subsidised day rate. The cost of our day is £52.50 for a four- to five-hour day (longer if transport is included) plus £10 for transport if required.
Our fees help us to cover some of our essential running costs, but they do not cover the true cost of delivering our personalised support, or wrap-around services – including our pre-assessment home visits, welcome days and ongoing family support.
Tapestry Day Club is dedicated to ensuring our personalised dementia support is accessible to as many families as possible. We understand the financial pressures many face and we offer a discounted day cost for individuals in receipt of Pension Credit.
We are actively raising additional funds to support those in areas of deprivation and families significantly impacted by the cost of living crisis.
If you are facing financial hardship, please contact us confidentially to discuss how we might be able to help.
support@tapestrydayclub.co.uk
We carry out a simple assessment prior to any guest joining us. This always takes place in the family home as we are keen to understand the unique needs and preferences of each of our guests. This collaborative process, involving the family and/or carer, includes a detailed evaluation, risk assessment, and service agreement, ensuring the highest standards of care. Based on this information, together with our hosts, we can develop a personalised care programme that reflects their personality, medical history, dietary preferences, and activity interests.
Our hosts can usually provide transport if guests live within a five-miles radius of hosts’ homes. It is dependent on whether the host has space in their car. We tend to restrict numbers in a standard five-door car to three guests, so everyone is comfortable. If hosts are unable to provide transport, we try to find volunteer drivers, or we may be able to arrange community transport.
We always ask guests if they have any particular food likes, dislikes, allergies or intolerances. On the whole, our hosts are able to cater for specific requirements. Potentially, we may be unable to support serious allergies in certain circumstances.
One of the most important and valuable aspects of our service is that we provide respite time for carers – around four to five hours per club day, partly dependent on whether we provide transport – allowing carers to recharge, relax and have some precious me time to concentrate on their own health and well-being.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for our hosts to look after guests who are unable to look after their own personal care. We are not registered with CQC. Our guests need to be able to access the toilet unaided but we can help with undoing belts, buttons or buckles.
Most of our guests have a professional diagnosis of dementia. This can help to access wider support. But we support people who are struggling with memory irrespective if there has been a diagnosis or not. A number of our guests join as they struggle with lonliness and isolation as well.
“What do we do when we come here? Well it is nice to see everyone. I don’t see these people all that often, so it is nice to see them. Well, what do we do …..”
Guests chat about what they do when they join our host in Southwater for a club day
