Beacon Club (dementia day care service)
Beacon Club Leaflet
The Beacon Club offers day care to older people with dementia on Mondays and Thursdays. It's a small group - just 8 places per day.
Clients are offered refreshments on arrival, a choice of hot meals at lunchtime, and a blend of activities according to their preferences, abilities and needs. Transport is provided with a trained escort, to and from the club.
The club aims to improve the quality of life for people with what is often a socially isolating condition, as well as support them to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Carers are given the opportunity to take a break while clients are at the club.
The club helps to monitor problems which may arise throughout the course of the illness and offers advice to clients and carers on where to go for help. Staff keep up links with other caring organisations.
The club is run by two part-time staff members and a team of volunteers. Volunteers can get valuable work experience in a supportive environment as a stepping stone to a career as well as personal satisfaction from helping others and the opportunity to make new friends. We welcome enquiries from anyone interested in volunteering with us: just contact the Project Manager on the number below.
We take new members regularly so if you care for someone elderly with dementia who would like to come along please get in touch. Anyone can make a referral. There is a short form to complete and then the Project Manager will visit the person with dementia at home to assess whether the club can meet their needs.
The Beacon Club was founded in 1994 and has been funded by a variety of funders over the years. Members each make a small contribution weekly.
Activities
Past activities have included outings to places like the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, the Water of Leith Heritage Centre and trips on a Seagull Trust barge on the Union Canal. We have worked with clients individually to help them tell the story of their lives in their personal "Life Story" book. Periodically the group undertakes an arts project such as making a colourful and inventive display for the wall. Each year, those who like gardening plant up the raised tubs in front of the Centre with bedding plants.
What the Beacon Club Participants Say
Club members have commented,
"It gets you out for the day and you meet other people."
"Everyone is very friendly and welcoming."
Carers have commented:
"My mother loves the club and I can't thank you enough for the lift in her life you have given her."
"Staff always make time to listen to the carer."
Contacting Us
To start with, please contact the Project Manager on 455 7731 or email: beaconclub@broomhousecentre.org.uk.