"I am really proud of the outcome, and hope it brings some joy to the residents."
Residents, families, and staff at Abbeyfield House in New Malden now have a new space to enjoy: a recently completed sensory room.
Jay Ward, Activities Coordinator at Abbeyfield House, who spearheaded the project, has spent several months transforming the room into a calming place, documenting the progress with before-and-after photos that highlight the transformation.
What sets this sensory room apart is the personal touch. Jay's dedication is evident in every detail, as he hand-stitched the curtains, selecting fabrics that add to the room's peaceful atmosphere. The material boards, too, were crafted with care, each piece contributing to the room's overall sensory experience. The materials used were generously donated by RWD, a design company located in the New Forest, where Jay’s partner, David, works.
Jay said, “From the moment I had my walk around during my interview here at Abbeyfield House in New Malden, I saw the potential of a little room that was an unused nursery. I knew that it could possibly be turned into something special for the residents. I even remember asking during my interview if it could be done.
“Over the space of the past year and four months of being here, I have planned, found fabrics, researched and finally managed to complete the sensory room for the enjoyment of all. The whole experience has been quite the challenge which I relished in doing. I have seen and been in many sensory rooms over the years, but never did I think I could make one myself.
“I am really proud of the outcome, and hope it brings some joy and peace to people within the home. The most challenging part was creating the curtains. Hand stitching lots of different fabrics together in a "Tetris" style, trying to make sure they are all the same size was difficult. I even had residents laughing at me occasionally when I caught my finger on the needle, (which happened many times).
“When I finished, I took a couple of residents to the room. The reactions were all I needed to know I had created something special for them. It was great fun to create this room, and it will never truly be finished, as more can be added over the years to come. I would like to thank Emanuela, our Home Manager, for allowing me to do what I do within the home to better improve residents' wellbeing.”
From the initial concept to the final beautiful room, this project shows his commitment to creating a calming environment.
The sensory room was designed to provide a peaceful atmosphere, offering residents a place to relax and find quiet respite. Jay hopes that the room will become a valuable resource, allowing residents to experience a sense of calm and wellbeing. The room is now open and available for use.
Discover Abbeyfield House
Abbeyfield House, a care home in New Malden, provides residents with comfortable en-suite rooms, personalised care plans, and engaging activities. Residents enjoy nutritious meals, a landscaped garden, and social opportunities. The home offers both residential and dementia care, alongside respite stays that include comprehensive support, ensuring a secure and welcoming stay.
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