Bringing Sunshine to Jane and Her Dad: The Impact of Our Butterfly Cafe
Uncover the positive power of Home Instead Wandsworth's Butterfly Cafe at King's College Hospital, South London, for those living with dementia and their caregivers.
Introducing our Butterfly Cafe
At Home Instead Wandsworth, our mission is to foster supportive and joyful environments for seniors and their families. A shining example of this mission is one of our dementia-friendly support groups, our Butterfly Cafe held at King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, South London.
Operated in collaboration with the South London and Maudsley (SLAM) team, the cafe, held twice a month, serves as a sanctuary for those living with dementia.
One attendee Jane shared with us her heartwarming story outlining the transformative impact our community cafe has had on her life and her dad’s, and how she now volunteers alongside us.
Changing situation as a family caregiver
When Jane’s dad moved in with her, life changed drastically. Adapting to a new routine took effort, and soon, social interactions dwindled. Jane and her dad started feeling isolated. It was during a visit to King’s College Hospital that they came across the Butterfly Cafe.
Overcoming initial hesitations
Initially, Jane’s dad was wary. The idea of attending a community group made him anxious. Unfamiliar faces in an unknown place made him feel anxious and unsure. However, the welcoming and empathetic nature of our Care Professionals, and hospital team, swiftly dissolved his worries and put him at ease.
First visit experience
From their first visit, Jane and her dad were instantly enveloped in a bubble of warmth and support. Our skilled team just knew precisely how to comfort her dad, gently integrating him into the group. For Jane, connecting with fellow caregivers in similar situations was equally comforting. Her sense of loneliness in caregiving began to melt away.
“As a carer, it was so lovely to meet others that were looking after a loved one and certainly made me feel less alone.” Jane
Remarkable positive changes
As the sessions unfolded, Jane noticed a remarkable change in her dad. He slowly began to unwind and engage more with the activities. Every session offered something unique—memory recall exercises, communication activities, and tasks designed to enhance both fine and gross motor skills. Jane’s dad had a particular fondness for the music and singing sessions, as well as the informal chats over snacks. Witnessing his frequent smiles and the joy he found in socialising with others was wonderful.
“Dad smiled a lot more and enjoyed being in the company of others that cared for us.” Jane
A legacy of community
In fact, the Butterfly Cafe provided a community. When Jane’s dad passed away, the sense of belonging she felt towards the cafe tugged at her heartstrings. That bond was irreplaceable. Determined to give back, Jane decided to volunteer at King’s College Hospital and the Butterfly Cafe. She now helps others experience the same joy and sense of belonging that those sessions brought to her and her dad, with hopes of continuing this rewarding work for many years to come.
“I wanted that sense of belonging to continue. I had a strong need to give back some of the love and care that was shown to dad and I so I applied to volunteer at King's College Hospital and The Butterfly Cafe. I love helping others to experience the joy that these sessions can bring and hope to continue for a very long time." Jane
In conclusion
Jane’s story highlights the power of community and the positive impact community initiatives can have on both older adults and their families. It’s a delight to see Jane in action, the difference she makes in people’s lives and we’re so pleased to have her in our extended Home Instead family.
Would you like to find out more about our local community groups? Or if you are interested in our home care or live-in care services don’t hesitate to call our CQC outstanding team on 0208 022 5240.
For job opportunities, apply online to become a Care Professional at Home Instead Wandsworth, Lambeth and Dulwich