First week of two 'lifeline' day care centres in Northampton see older people connect for the first time in months

Residents pictured together playing games and making friends.

Two new Northampton daycare centres are bucking the local trend after opening their doors in Duston and St James, offering care, friendship and fun for older people across the town

Affinity Day Care has been set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC) by a team of social care professionals with more than 26 years experience between them.

Both centres have been designed with Covid-19 procedures in mind to create a safe environment, and the St James’ day centre will also specialise in dementia care to support those with moderate to late stages of dementia and will be staffed according to the needs of those in care.

Activities include making bird boxes to help stimulate their brains and give them something fun to do.

Fern Overton, director, said: “The need for day care isn’t reducing, it’s increasing. It’s predicted that the over 65 population of Northamptonshire will increase by 51% by 2030, a rate higher than the country and the East Midlands.

"With that increase comes a responsibility for the community to ensure that older people are treasured and supported in a way which keeps them independent and active.

“Later life doesn’t have to be blighted with ill health and loneliness. Simple things like socialising and gentle mental and physical activity have been proven to increase quality of life and life expectancy. There is no reason why we can’t provide those things in Northamptonshire.”

Clients have celebrated the first week of being open with chair exercises, which increase blood flow, muscle strength and reduce joint inflammation, a quiz to challenge memory and recall and a creative activity making bird feeders to encourage connection with nature.

As well as offering activities designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing, clients enjoyed nutritious, two-course lunches and refreshments throughout the day.

Operating a day service for older people in a post-lockdown world provides some challenges Fern added: “We have organised clients into bubbles of six.

"This means that the same people have the opportunity to be together on the minibus, sit together for activities and eat lunch together. It is different from how we are used to organising where people can mix freely, but this way, friendships and connections can be nurtured, at the same time as keeping our clients safe.

“The clients didn’t seem to mind the additional Covid-19 measures of masks, hand sanitising and social distancing. They were just delighted to be out of the house after such a long period of often, total isolation.

“Our first few days of service have been absolutely amazing. It’s fantastic to see the smiles on everyone’s faces and to enjoy the laughter. We can’t wait to keep supporting older people and to grow the service further”

Affinity Day Care also offers respite for family members who are the main carer.

Gladys visits the centre. She said: "I’m really sociable and this year has been really difficult. I have loved being around other people again and enjoying their company. I can’t wait to come back."