Belong Macclesfield Care Village

Having visited many care homes in the area it appeared that there was a big gap in the provision of quality “day care” for people in the early to mid stages of dementia/Alzheimer’s. Dad wanted to care for Mum at home for as long as possible but was in desperate need of support as the disease progressed. Thankfully we found Belong Macclesfield and their unique “Experience Days”. It was like a breath of fresh air and an enormous relief to speak to the Experience Co-ordinator who understood every aspect of dementia and the challenges it brings and we felt so reassured and confident we had found the right place for Mum. Mum was collected from home daily and taken to Belong Macclesfield where she was kept entertained with many different activities from armchair keep fit and indoor bowling to singing, craft making and gardening. The key being keeping her physically and mentally active as much as possible whilst being sensitive to when she was feeling tired or anxious and dropping it down a gear to suit. We couldn’t have asked for anywhere better and the enthusiasm, understanding and caring nature of the Experience Day staff was outstanding. Mum returned home to Dad tired but happy and much less anxious, making it possible for dad to feel more refreshed and rested himself and able to cope with getting through the evening/night ahead. As Mum’s dementia moved into it’s later stage it became necessary for her to move into the residential side of Belong and the transition was made so much easier as she was already familiar with many of the staff and the building itself. Mum moved into Cedar which is one of several “households” within Belong. Again the staff were outstanding and the comfort and care second to none. Rooms are all ensuite and immaculately clean. The main lounge and kitchen area is open plan making it possible for residents to move around and join in with as much or as little as they would like. The general feeling of the place is very homely and much like a family environment. Food is freshly cooked every day in the household kitchen which is great for the residents appetites, being able to see and smell what is coming. Mealtimes take place around a large table, again creating a homely setting, but if residents would rather eat in their own rooms or in the café/bistro with visiting family and friends then this is easily accommodated, nothing ever seeming like too much trouble to staff. Mum often joined in with the daily activities taking place upstairs where she was able to see friends and staff she already knew from the Experience Days. Sadly Mum passed away at the end of January 2016. Several staff members stayed on after their shifts had ended to sit with Mum in her final hours which was very touching and another mark of their dedication and care. We feel extremely grateful and reassured that Mum’s final days were happy and she really couldn’t have been better looked after.
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