Life is sweet for Ty Waunarlwydd’s Connie

A SWANSEA care home which is leading the way in how it supports residents who live with dementia has come in for praise for turning one lady’s life around with the help of a sweet shop.

Connie Howard, an 81-year-old who now lives in Swansea Council’s Ty Waunarlwydd care home, has found a new purpose in life after the home staff helped her set up her own sweet shop in line with her belief that she is employed by the home.

Lisa Hancock, Connie’s daughter, said she was delighted when she saw her mother at ‘work’.

“It has made my mum’s world completely different,” Lisa said. “They have done everything to help her, so I just want to make people aware of the excellent work done at the home. They have opened up a whole new world for my mum – there is loads of love for her there.”

Ty Waunarlwydd takes an innovative approach which enables people who live with dementia to have a sense of achievement and feel valued. One of the ways people do this is by participating in their chosen working role.

Cllr Jane Harris, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Vulnerable People, said: “There is a lot of positive work around dementia taking place in our care homes. We know it’s important for all people to feel a sense of belonging and self-value, and this is something Ty Waunarlwydd has been focusing on for some time with the residents.

“I’m glad Connie’s family is able to see her in such a happy situation with an increased sense of self-worth.”

Since she opened her shop two weeks ago, Connie has seen long queues of people waiting to buy her sweets.

Home Manager Jane Thomas said: “We recognise that their reality may not be the same as ours, but the important thing is that people feel supported, happy and empowered. Our model is really to go with the flow.

“Connie really believes she works here and was interviewed for the role. We buy her stock and she has her own apron. Connie’s sweet shop has been a real hit with residents and visitors.”