Village stores in dementia facilities set to raise the spirits

Living with dementia is challenging – but a bold move in aged care facilities hopes to change that. Here’s what they are doing.

Squeezing fruit is a feature of most grocery runs, but older Australians with dementia lose that and so many other simple pleasures the second they enter care.

Where vital links to community abruptly disappear, now dementia patients will have supermarket socialising and independent choices restored. A new initiative announced Thursday will see mini-marts installed in high-care dementia facilities and aged care complexes.

Research from the UK’s Alzheimer’s Society shows that 80 per cent of people with dementia list shopping as their favourite activity, so Coles and HammondCare have joined forces to design and develop Village Stores. A mix of redesigned existing operations and new custom-built stores, the outlets will rollout across HammondCare properties in NSW, VIC and SA.

Associate Professor Colm Cunningham said available research “highlights the importance of older people staying in control of their own food shopping – for feelings of independence, community belonging and exercise.”

Coles have partnered with HammondCare to design dementia-friendly Village Stores in aged care complexes in NSW, VIC and SA. Pictured from left are HammondCare CEO Mike Baird, Caulfield Village Aged Care resident Una Daniel and Coles CEO Steven Cain. Picture: Tony Gough

Shopping at Village Stores will be a dementia-friendly experience, with specially designed check-outs, counters and shelving. Residents will select supplies at no additional cost, while family, staff and the local community will have access to retail sales.

Decorated and stocked for seasonal events like Christmas and Easter will also prompt happy memories and more opportunities for residents to gather.

Caulfield Village Aged Care resident Una Daniel said she was looking forward to being able to pick up favourite treats including French baguettes, ice cream, cheese – “all the good things.”

“We’re planning on having an interesting place to go shopping and get a few things,” Ms Daniel said. “We’re really keen to work together … to supply us with some fresh new foods and ideas. I love my Christmas pudding.”

Ms Daniel has dementia, but the former drama teacher and mother of three adult sons lives with some independence – and a big appetite – in a cottage onsite.

“We have barbecues and things like that where we meet a few other people,” she said.

Caulfield Village Aged Care residents Una Daniel and Kenneth Calder will see their complex’s current store refurbished into a dementia-friendly experience, with specially designed check-outs, counters, shelving and festive seasonal stock and decorations. Picture: Tony Gough

HammondCare CEO Mike Baird said Village Stores “will help to improve quality of life for some of the country’s most vulnerable people.”

“The simple act of shopping offers all people, particularly those living with dementia, meaningful engagement, independence and helps keep memories alive,” he said.

Coles Group CEO, Steven Cain, said Coles was committed to leading the way in accessible shopping.

“This partnership is aligned with our purpose to help Australians live healthier and happier lives,” Mr Cain said.

The first brand new, custom-built Village Store is due to open in early 2023.

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