Dementia cafes at Glasgow Royal Infirmary help families
At Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI), the Dementia Cafe has become a valued part of care for older patients, offering a welcoming space for conversation, creativity, and companionship.
The scheme, part of a wider programme under NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has been celebrated as part of Dementia Awareness Week (June 2 to 8).
Read more: Free dementia support clinics retuning to Glasgow this month
The GRI recently celebrated Dementia Awareness Week (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)
Rebecca Badhesha, senior charge nurse for Ward 30, said: "The hospital setting can often feel isolating.
"Through the Dementia Cafe, we aimed to combat loneliness and help our patients retain their skills and abilities through engaging activities."
Born from the Dementia Champions Programme, the cafe first took shape in 2016 when staff at GRI saw an opportunity to improve the hospital experience for patients with dementia.
Monthly sessions began in a boardroom setting, welcoming patients from the medical and older people's wards, along with relatives, carers, volunteers, and staff.
The aim was to create a more social, supportive environment for everyone affected by the condition.
Over time, the cafe has evolved to include themed sessions designed to spark conversation and engagement.
Reminiscence days, for example, have helped people recall past holidays including special visits from an ice cream van to spark childhood memories.
Meanwhile, partnerships with pet therapy charities have brought therapy dogs into the hospital, and gentle exercise sessions led by a ballet teacher have encouraged movement in a relaxed setting.
Reminiscence Days have helped patients evoke memories of past holidays by the seaside (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) There have also been silent discos, based on the Playlist for Life model, which used personalised music to help patients connect through song.
As well as arts and crafts sessions, paired with tea and cake, giving patients a chance to express themselves creatively.
One particular memory that Rebecca recalls from the cafe involved a gentleman who had not communicated for some time.
She said: "During a session, he sang to his daughter after a song triggered a nostalgic memory.
'That's the beauty of these sessions, they provide a sense of normality and connection that can be so hard to find in a hospital setting.'
Sessions like the Dementia Cafe were unfortunately paused during the Covid-19 pandemic, but since Rebecca took up her role in 2023, smaller gatherings have resumed on the wards.
Read more: Do you have a loved one affected by dementia? These free services could help
A larger Christmas event was also held, involving patients from several older people's services wards.
Rebecca said: "We're committed to re-establishing these joyful afternoons.
"There's so much healing power in community and connection, and we're excited to bring patients and families together."
Neil McCallum, North Sector Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, praised the initiative.
He said: "The Dementia Cafe is a fantastic initiative.
"It's a great way to bring people together within hospitals and foster friendship and connection.
"I'd like to thank all those involved in organising the cafés and those who attend."
The cafe also serves as a tribute to Alan Cook, a colleague who passed away in April 2024 and played a key role in launching the project.
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