Care home to offer dementia-friendly dining events

Hyllden Heights manager Laurie Thurlow says it is important that people "still got places to go"

A care home is launching a restaurant for people with dementia to help those with the syndrome "enjoy the finer things", its manager says.

Hyllden Heights in Hildenborough, Kent, is starting the monthly initiative for people in the community on Tuesday, with money raised from the £20 tickets set to go towards Brace Dementia Research.

Diners will be able to request modified food if they have difficulties cutting, chewing or swallowing, with adapted cutlery and drinkware on offer for "dignified dining".

Hyllden Heights manager Laurie Thurlow said: "As people's cognition declines, they become isolated and excluded from communities and it's important that they've still got places to go. "

Mr Thurlow added: "Their social lives are severely hampered because they've got nowhere to go where it's a safe environment, where they can still enjoy the finer things of life."

The care home, which has transformed its dining area into a restaurant, is expecting 22 guests at its launch.

A spokesperson said: "Going out for dinner gets very difficult when a loved one develops dementia because of behaviour changes, specialist dietary needs, or just confusion, which can all make eating in a restaurant a stressful rather than relaxing experience."