At Frank Prendergast House (FPH), residents living with dementia are enjoying a Breakfast Club that combines social connection, reminiscence and sensory engagement in a welcoming café-style setting.
Designed to recreate the experience of meeting friends for breakfast, the group provides a familiar and meaningful environment where residents can connect with one another outdoors while enjoying a relaxed start to the day. When the weather allows, sessions are held outdoors, with tables dressed in tablecloths and café-style crockery to enhance the atmosphere.
Residents are encouraged to participate in ways that feel comfortable to them, from helping to set tables and pour drinks to sharing memories and conversation. The familiar sights, sounds and routines of the breakfast setting can prompt reminiscence and support meaningful engagement.
We noticed that it really sets residents up for the day, Senior Occupational Therapist Delbar Mehta said. They appeared more settled and happier after the breakfast sessions.
Alongside the Breakfast Club, residents at FPH also have the opportunity to participate in a separate Hand Therapy Group. These structured sessions focus on maintaining and improving hand strength, coordination and fine motor skills through targeted exercises and activity-based tasks. The Hand Therapy Group supports residents to maintain functional abilities that are important for everyday activities, while also providing a sense of purpose and achievement. Regular participation allows staff to monitor changes in upper limb function and introduce supportive strategies when needed.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate the value of person-centred occupational therapy approaches that support both wellbeing and independence. Whether through meaningful social experiences or targeted therapeutic activities, residents are encouraged to remain engaged, connected and active in ways that matter to them.
