At Home Instead Ilkley, we’ve always believed that true heroes don’t wear capes. We wanted to celebrate heroes in the community who care for older adults and raise awareness.
At Home Instead Ilkley, we’ve always believed that true heroes don’t wear capes. Some heroes are the compassionate individuals who dedicate their time and energy to supporting vulnerable adults. We are extremely fortunate here at Home Instead Ilkley to have many such heroes and we have a whole host of them in our wonderful community.
We wanted to celebrate the everyday heroes in Ilkley and raise awareness of the critical issues facing our older adults, especially those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. So, our team, led by our fabulous networker Sadie, organised ‘Heroes Day’ and it bought so many people together.
A Fun Day with a Purpose
After weeks of planning and collaboration, the idea of a community event blossomed into a day packed with fun, laughter, and, most importantly, a strong sense of togetherness. Held at Ilkley Park, our Heroes Day was not just about entertainment—it was about celebrating the unsung heroes who make a difference every day.
Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the West Yorkshire Police, who partnered with us for the event, we were able to create an unforgettable experience for all who attended. The day was filled with exciting activities. We had wonderful live music and food, great entertainment, a tug of war between the police and the fire service and the children loved seeing the ambulance and fire trucks and dressing up with one declaring it was the ‘best day ever!’ We can’t beat that! Several older adults remarked on how much they enjoyed the live music, and the tug of war between the service people brought smiles and laughter to everyone involved.
It was also a chance for us to showcase the work we do here at Home Instead Ilkley. We enjoyed the chance to share the everyday care we provide for our clients and the difference that our personalised care can make for those living with conditions such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Raising Awareness
Raising awareness of the hidden struggles many of our older adults face and their families is a big part of our mission at Ilkley.
Alzheimer’s and dementia are often misunderstood and overlooked, yet it affects so many families in our community. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, nearly one million people in the UK are living with dementia, with numbers set to rise in the coming years. It is estimated that one in five of us will develop a form of dementia in our lifetime. This hidden disease not only impacts those diagnosed but also their families, who often take on the role of caregivers with little support. We really hope that through days like this that we can shine a light of the struggles of so many as well as encourage those in our community to be dementia and Alzheimer’s aware.
A Day to Remember
With over one hundred people attending, the event was a resounding success. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of joy, as reflected in the glowing feedback we received. We were lucky enough that the Mayor was able to join us who commented, “Fantastic day, really good atmosphere, and well organised.”
Looking Forward and Thanks
Our Heroes Day was more than just an event—it was a celebration of community, compassion, and the importance of supporting one another. As we look to the future, we are more committed than ever to our mission of providing exceptional care to older adults in our community and raising awareness of the challenges they face.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, participated, and made this day so special and a special thank you to some companies who donated prizes, time, food. Lahores Kirkstall provided free hot meals for all staff working on event. The food and raffle prizes donated by Tesco Ilkley, Bettys Ilkley, Booths Ilkley, Morrisons, Greggs Ilkley, Ilkley brewery.
For more information about how you can support those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, please visit Alzheimer’s Society.
If you have a family member who is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia and you think they need some additional support at home, do get in touch with us. Our expert team are here to help you and we can create a personalised care plan for your loved one.
Home Instead Ilkley – Caring for Our Community, One Hero at a Time.