Unusual assortment of headgear opens conversation at dementia care home

A colourful collection of headwear sparked conversations at Yeovil’s Chestnut Lodge care home.

The Women’s Institute and Mothers’ Union members took a selection of hats with them to their monthly meeting at Hendford Hill care home.

The groups introduced an array of hats during their monthly visit, fuelling a lively discussion alongside the traditional tea and chat.

Sue Oatley, a member of both groups, said: "The hats proved a real conversation starter, and we had great fun trying them on and seeing what they looked like.

"The residents seemed to enjoy them, and it got them talking and reminiscing."

Alongside the hats, the visitors also brought handmade blankets and twiddle muffs, knitted items filled with various small objects promoting relaxation and sensory engagement.

Ms Oatley said: "They loved their blankets and promised when they weren’t on their knees that they’d have them on their beds.

"I’m delighted to say the twiddle muffs also went down a treat which was lovely to see.

"We’ve taken around 20 to the home altogether now."

Chestnut Lodge is one of four specialist dementia care homes operated by Camelot Care in Somerset and Devon.