Good Life Comes to Chiswick Care Home

Richard Briers opens dementia unit at Clifton Gardens

Actor Richard Briers CBE has officially opened a new £1 million dementia unit at Clifton Gardens residential care home in Chiswick.

The unit, funded by Hounslow Primary Care Trust and North West London Strategic Health Authority, has eight new specialist dementia care beds, an activities room, a living space, a kitchen and inside garden.

Clifton Gardens already had 21 specialist care beds and this extension has increased the home’s ability to care for more people experiencing dementia in future.

Opening the extension, which has been called the Hogarth Unit, Alzheimer’s Society ambassador Richard Briers, who lives in Chiswick, said: “It was an honour to open this improved facility for people with dementia. There are 700,000 people with dementia in the UK and this will soar to nearly 1 million in the next 20 years. That’s why it’s so important to have quality care, training and treatment for people with dementia and support for their families. Thank you to the Hounslow Branch of the Alzheimer’s Society and all the staff at Clifton Gardens who are working together to make a positive difference to the lives of all those affected by dementia. You’re doing such a marvelous job that all too often goes unrecognised. Thank you.”

As part of the celebrations, the 30 residents at Clifton Gardens were entertained by a Jazz band. A poetry anthology put together by residents of the home and children from the Army Welfare Youth Group was also unveiled. Residents of the home’s art group The Hopeful Monets exhibited their latest work based upon life under the sea.

Councillor Pamela Fisher, lead member for adult social services and health at Hounslow Council, said: “Dementia is a cruel disease. It doesn’t discriminate affecting people from all backgrounds and cultures. It can lead to difficulties with short-term memory, daily living skills and communication, and for some it means the need for 24-hour care. That’s why we are determined, with our partners, to invest in high quality care services so people experiencing dementia can lead a full and active life with dignity and respect.”