A Suffolk care home has created a dementia-friendly shopping lane to help the physical and mental wellbeing of its residents.

Wellbeing Care’s St George’s care home in Beccles launched the shopping lane initiative following a successful implementation at its Lowestoft sister home, The Dell, where a significant improvement in resident wellbeing was noted.

Inspired by key elements of the traditional British high street, the shopping lane comprises a fresh flower shop, a mini grocery store and telephone booth, alongside a new coffee area in the dining room that encourages residents to catch up with loved ones over tea and cake.

By undertaking familiar tasks, such as visiting the newsagents or purchasing fresh ingredients from the local store, residents can maintain a sense of independence and normality.

The shopping lane has received positive reviews from residents, with 94-year-old Lee Page saying: “This has really brightened the home – we can look in the windows at all the lovely flowers and fruit.” Fellow resident Maureen Bellsham, aged 86, noted how she loves the colours and enjoys walking past the windows, while family and friends of residents have complimented the corridor’s décor.

Joy Henshaw, registered manager of Wellbeing Care, said: “Following the success of our shopping lane at The Dell care home, we decided to launch the shopping lane across our other care homes too. The initiative has already proven successful, as residents have reported feeling more independent. It is clear that the shopping lane provides a higher sense of self-purpose, subsequently improving residents’ confidence and self-esteem.”

“The shopping lane facilitates social gatherings, as residents can now arrange to meet up with friends, fellow residents or family members in a secure, controlled environment. We hope the increased social activity will help combat resident loneliness, which has been heightened nationally due to the recent lockdowns and restrictions. We look forward to continuing seeing our St George’s residents react to the improvements we are making, as well as the subsequent effect it has on their happiness and wellbeing.”

St George’s is a purpose-built care home offering accommodation for up to 33 people in need of residential care or dementia care. It is part of family-run Wellbeing Care which provides residential care, nursing care, dementia care, respite care, day care and supported living services to older people living in Suffolk and Northamptonshire.