DEMENTIA sufferers can now benefit from a second day centre, which will be open on Tuesdays when the new Hunter Centre in Haslemere is closed.

Nursing and dementia care home Langham Court, in Hindhead, has launched the new facility in its activities room on Tuesdays, in response to a growing need, and is open to anyone in the community suffering from dementia.

Langham Court was judged “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission in March. Care manager Vee Hey will lead sessions supported by a trained assistant.

Activities on offer include arts and crafts, cooking, and gardening outside in the grounds, where residents already grow their own vegetables in raised beds.

“We are rather tucked away,” Vee said. “We want to let more people know we are here for them. I feel strongly our service is important for those with dementia, but equally important for their loved ones and carers, who need to have time on their own without feeling guilty.

“I am a passionate supporter of families. Those in the early stages of dementia can be diagnosed as early as 50, and both they and their families need support. We welcome children and sufferers really connect with music, children and animals. Our care is about treating sufferers as people, not as children, and it’s quite a fine line getting that balance.

“It can be easy to become child-like, and that’s not how it should be. Our activities will include day-to-day skills to encourage a sense of normality. By doing the simple tasks they used to do, sufferers gain a new sense of purpose and worth.”