Residents toast new in-house bar

Residents of Rotherham's Dearne Valley Care Centre have toasted the launch of their very own private '˜pub.'
Open barOpen bar
Open bar

‘Bar 35’ comes completes with replica beer pumps, drip trays, ice buckets and beer mats and means residents can enjoy a beer and some friendly banter in the safety and comfort of their care home.

The bar area, which opened last month, has been decorated in the style of a miner’s welfare club in the 60s, to encourage the residents to reminisce about their past.

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It was named Bar 35 as it is nwo considered the 35th room in the home, which features 34 bedrooms.

Care home manager Josie McFarlane said: “We are close to the former mining communities of Bolton upon Dearne and Goldthorpe where the social life revolved around the miners’ welfare clubs.

“The Bee Inspired programme recommends creating an environment which people with dementia can relate to and setting up a bar in the home will prompt residents to remember nights out they used to enjoy years ago.

“We have decorated it with 1960s’ style wallpaper and have pictures of mines and other memorabilia from that era.

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“The opening night was a huge success. We served pie and peas and had live entertainment from Bob Humble, whose wife Diane is a resident at the home.

“Residents who were able to join in had a lovely time and all looked so happy. They are already asking when we can do something similar again.”

A host of future events - including a beetle drive, domino games, card games and a tea dance - are already on the calendar at the bar, which will open around the clock on request.

Residents are able to order up to two drinks a day from a range including prosecco, beer, whisky, wine and sherry bought with the proceeds of various fundraising events.

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Residents’ families are also encouraged to join them at the bar on their visits.

Josie added: “The idea was first discussed at a residents’ meeting and has been very well received since its launch last month.

“The bar is linked to the home’s adoption of the Bee Inspired programme for dementia care, which includes improving the environment for residents with memory loss.

“Having our own bar on the premises is the ideal thing for residents who want to enjoy the feeling of a night out with their visitors within the safety of their home.

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“All alcohol is kept safely stored in another area of the home and brought in to the bar by staff when residents place their orders.”

The bar has been set up in the home’s second lounge, which was previously used as a quiet area.