Care home residents treated to fish and chips as part of Dementia Awareness Week

RESIDENTS at a Stonehaven care home have been treated to free fish and chips as part of Dementia Awareness Week. 

With fish being an important ‘brain food’, the owner of local shop The Bay Fish and Chips paid a visit to Edenholme to not only showcase the benefits of it in a healthy diet but also bring smiles to a few faces.

Aynslie McKeith, Assistant Care Home Manager at Edenholme Care Home, said: “We wanted to do something different to mark this week, and both our residents and our staff have really enjoyed themselves.

“When Calum offered to visit Edenholme, we knew it would be a great event for our residents – a large portion of which are living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

“Everyone has good memories of fish and chips – they transport you to happy times and the tastes and smells can trigger positive memories.”

An estimated 90,000 Scots are living the conditon today, according to Alzheimer Scotland.

The charity says that dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge affecting almost every family in Scotland.

It is now estimated that 20,000 people will be diagnosed with the condition every year by 2020.

The chance of developing dementia increases with age, though it is not a natural part of ageing. One in 14 people over 65 – and one in six people over 80 – has dementia.

Calum Richardson said: “It’s been really rewarding to be here to offer fish and chips to those who live and work at Edenholme. It’s a big part of the community here in Stonehaven and we’re very proud of it.

“We know how important it is to be inclusive and like to offer baked or griddled fish alongside our battered option, so that everyone, no matter what your dietary requirements are, can enjoy such a beloved meal.

“I’d encourage everyone to think about those who are living with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s and what you could do to support them.

“It can be an isolating experience, and even a small gesture like a fish supper can bring a smile to people’s faces.”