This week, we’ve the absolute privilege of attending the Dementia Café Christmas get-together at Tonbridge Bowls Club – a warm, festive celebration hosted for individuals living with dementia and the families who support them. As proud sponsors of the Bowls Club, it was a wonderful opportunity not only to kick-start the festive season, but to connect with the community in a meaningful way.
At Braeburn Care, being a sponsor means more than a logo on a poster. It means showing up, building relationships, and being truly present. The Bowls Club who host the dementia cafe represents everything that dementia support should be – comfort, connection, companionship, and community.
Christmas carols, conversations, mince pies and laughter… the room was full of warmth. And during a season that can be challenging for those living with dementia, these moments matter more than ever.
Hear some of the wonder Christmas carols sang here;
Why Dementia Support at Christmas Matters So Much
The festive season can be joyful, but it can also bring uncertainty, confusion, and heightened emotions for individuals with dementia. Routines change, environments become louder, social expectations increase, and family gatherings can feel overwhelming.
That’s why Dementia Support at Christmas is so important, because it creates:
- Familiarity in a Busy Season – The Dementia Café provides a consistent, safe space where people feel understood and supported.
- Social Connection When It’s Needed Most – Loneliness can intensify at Christmas. Community groups help people stay connected, engaged, and uplifted.
- Support for Family Carers – Carers often put everyone else first. Groups like the Dementia Café offer respite, community understanding, and emotional support.
- Meaningful Moments of Joy – Small celebrations create big memories and help people feel valued and included.
- Access to Local Dementia Resources – From advice to signposting, the café plays an important role in helping families navigate dementia care with confidence.
Our Role as Sponsors: Being Present, Involved and Connected
For us, sponsorship is about more than financial contribution. It’s about being woven into the heart of the community we serve. As active sponsors, we:
- Attend events and get-togethers
- Support the volunteers and organisers
- Build relationships
- Offer guidance and signposting for care and support services
- Listen to lived experiences to strengthen how we deliver care ourselves
Being present this week reminded us just how vital Dementia Support at Christmas truly is. Seeing families relax, laugh, and enjoy simple festive moments shows the profound difference community groups make.
How We Support Individuals Living With Dementia at Christmas and Beyond
At Braeburn Care, our dementia support extends far beyond the festive season. Our Care Professionals deliver compassionate, person-centred care every day of the year – supporting people to live comfortably, safely, and with dignity at home.
Our dementia care includes:
- Personal care and daily living support
- Companionship and meaningful engagement
- Routine-building and reassurance
- Safe mobility assistance
- Medication prompting and monitoring
- 24-hour live-in care where needed
- Emotional support for family carers
During the Christmas period, we also support with:
- Festive activities
- Decorating and preparing the home
- Shopping, cards, wrapping gifts
- Visits to community groups
- Preventing loneliness and isolation
Our goal is simple: to make life easier, brighter, and more connected, especially at Christmas.
Community Matters: Why Groups Like the Dementia Café Are Essential
The Dementia Café at Tonbridge Bowls Club plays a vital role in West Kent’s dementia network. Groups like this:
- Offer a non-clinical, friendly setting
- Help reduce stigma around dementia
- Create a sense of belonging
- Encourage peer support
- Strengthen resilience for both individuals and carers
- Provide a lifeline at a time when many feel forgotten
For families living with dementia, the festive season can be emotionally heavy, but the Dementia Café brings light, community and joy at exactly the right time. We’re proud to stand alongside them.
FAQs: Dementia Support in West Kent & the Festive Season
- What is the Dementia Café at Tonbridge Bowls Club? It’s a welcoming community group for individuals living with dementia and their families. It provides connection, conversation, activities and local support – a key part of Dementia Support at Christmas and throughout the year.
- How does Braeburn Care support people with dementia in West Kent? Braeburn Care provides personalised home care and live-in care across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and surrounding areas. Our dementia-trained Care Professionals support daily routines, wellbeing, safety and companionship.
- Why is dementia support so important at Christmas? The festive season can disrupt routines and increase anxiety. Dementia Support at Christmas helps ensure comfort, familiarity and emotional stability for both individuals and carers.
- Can community groups help people with dementia? Yes – groups like the Dementia Café offer social connection, stimulation, emotional support and a sense of belonging. They are an essential part of dementia-friendly communities.
- Does Braeburn Care offer dementia services beyond Christmas? Absolutely. Our dementia care runs 365 days a year, with tailored support plans that evolve with each customer’s needs.
- What areas do you cover for dementia care in West Kent? We provide dementia care in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Crowborough, Paddock Wood and surrounding villages.
- How can I arrange dementia care over Christmas? You can contact Braeburn Care directly via 01892 577680 or enquiries@braeburncare.co.uk. Our team will help you explore options and create a personalised care plan.
