A Nottingham care home has opened its own shop to encourage independence among its family members.

The Open All Hours shop at Skylarks in West Bridgford is run by staff and family members, and offers a range of items, including clothing, jewellery and knick knacks, which other family members can peruse and pretend to buy.

Lucy Atkinson, director at Church Farm Care, said: “Our staff at Skylarks had the lovely idea to open the shop and have made such a big effort to get it up and running. Whether our family members are manning the tills or filling up their shopping baskets, they love to come and visit Open All Hours, which is great to see.

“Encouraging our family members to complete everyday activities, such as cleaning and preparing food for the kitchen, helps them to know that they have made a contribution and it reinforces the feeling of home and community. It can also bring forth past memories of trips with loved ones. On top of this, Open All Hours allows them to participate in shopping activities which encourages independence and makes them  feel valued.”

The inspiration for the shop comes from the innovative Danish Dementia Village, known as The Hogeweyk, where residents are also encouraged to be independent by visiting the site’s own shops, salons and clubs. Church Farm Care has taken inspiration from its Dutch counterpart in the past through its creation of small household living to create communities within its homes, its approach to building and interior design specifically supports those living with dementia.