PICTURES: Laurandy Centre in Wick holds purple-themed celebrations for Dementia Awareness Week

Members and staff at the Laurandy Centre in Wick held special events for Dementia Awareness Week (DAW) last week.

The Laurandy Centre is a charity catering to older adults' daycare needs and is based at the industrial estate next to Wick airport.

DAW ran from May 13 to 19 and as the majority of those attending the centre have a diagnosis of dementia and are at various stages in their journey, the Laurandy staff wanted to celebrate in their “own unique way”.

Tracy Mackay, the centre manager, said: “All of the staff are enthusiastic about supporting those living with dementia, and their families and carers.

“We hope the activities we were running this week help raise awareness and understanding of dementia; support affected families and carers; and give people living with dementia some stimulating opportunities to come together and enjoy joyful activities, knowing they are valued and cared for.

“For our theme, we chose the colour purple as it represents Alzheimer’s. Staff and individuals were encouraged to wear any purple clothing throughout the week. T-shirts were supplied for those who wanted to participate. It was so nice to see everyone joining in and looking so regal.”

There was a variety of purple-themed activities that were meaningful and that everyone could participate in. These included:

• A life in our hands – the centre chose this activity as it highlights everyone’s different journey through life. It was also good to reminisce together.

• A purple-themed tea party.

• Cake decorating.

• Making dementia ribbons.

• Forget-me-not art activity.

• And they ended the week with purple-themed prize bingo.

Comments from some of the members include: "I feel we all joined in well together and we all had a really good week, it was special," M. Sinclair.

"I have really enjoyed my week, as I always do. The hand activity was really good, we found out about each other’s lives," D Innes.

"It’s the first time I have been part of a dementia awareness week, it was different, I really enjoyed it," W Macdonald.

"It's been a very enjoyable week, marvellous, the staff have spoiled us," J Begg.

"They are all so good here, what a fantastic week it’s been," M Sutherland.

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