Coffee morning delight at Monmouth Nursing Home

FAMILY members at Gibraltar Nursing Home in Monmouth recently enjoyed taking part in in a coffee tasting afternoon in the home’s Pillars Restaurant.

Gibraltar’s household model approach means people with similar care needs live in smaller communities within the wider home, while still having opportunities to spend time with people from other households.

Those who wanted to take part in the tasting were supported downstairs to Pillars Restaurant, where the tables were laid with a selection of cakes to accompany the different coffees being brewed.

On offer were three pairings: Italian coffee with biscotti, French coffee served with a mini croissant and jam, or British- style filter coffee with a slice of Victoria sponge.

Everyone could mix and match, and there was also tea for those who have never been big coffee drinkers.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the room as Assistant Manager Emily went around with the different bags of coffee, inviting family members to smell the different roasts before deciding what they fancied trying. With plenty of tasting and conversation around the table, it was a lovely opportunity to explore different flavours and engage the senses while having a good old natter.

For people living with Dementia, eating and drinking can sometimes become more difficult as they move along their journey.

The smell or sight of something appetising can help spark an interest in food and drink, making sensory experiences like these a helpful way to encourage someone who might not always feel like eating or drinking.

Events like these are also great opportunities to try something a little different, while continuing routines that many people will have enjoyed throughout their lives.

Emily shared about the afternoon: “We thought it would be nice to do something a bit different with our usual afternoon cuppa.”