Stratton Court nursing home was involved in the national campaign Dementia Action Week by putting in a Dementia Garden with the help of its residents.

The 61 bed home and retirement village is run by award winning luxury care operators - Aura care Living and only opened in March. The complex boasts a cinema, its own hair salon as well as a restaurant and bar, known as The Kensington and is adding to it with a special garden that according to UK's Social Care Institute for Excellence can 'can stimulate senses, spark memories of gardening hobbies and encourage conversation.'

Lisa Strevens is the homes manager for Aura Care Living and said: "Dementia is now one of the UK's biggest killers and we want to do all we can to help raise awareness of the condition while helping our residents also.

"Care homes and communities can make a real difference in changing the way we deal with this disease."

Previously known as Dementia Awareness Week, Dementia Action Week took place between the 21st and the 27th of May. The goal of Dementia Action Week is to encourage people to take action to improve the lives of those affected by dementia, working to create a dementia-friendly UK where those with dementia do not feel excluded.

There are 850,000 people in the UK, who are affected by dementia, and it does not just affect the elderly, 40,000 people in the UK under the age of 65 suffer from early onset dementia. It is believed that by 2051 the number of people who have dementia in the UK will have risen to 2 million.

"As well as giving exposure to natural light, vitamin D, a garden or outdoor space provides a place for familiar activities such as digging or cutting grass and a place for exercise. A garden also offers a unique opportunity to provide a feast for the senses. The smell and colour of plants can provide excellent sensory stimulation," Lisa added.

For more information please or to book viewings please contact 01285 283132 or email: enquiries@auracareliving.com