For someone living with dementia, being here is so much better than trying to manage out in the wider community. The care team know me and understand what I need, and they offer support in a respectful, low-key way.
For someone living with dementia, being here is so much better than trying to manage out in the wider community. The care team know me and understand what I need, and they offer support in a respectful, low-key way.
John
Wixams Village
Wixams resident John discusses life at the village, joining the choir, and how he has been supported after his dementia diagnosis.
I moved into my apartment at Wixams Village around four years ago with my wife. At the time, we were navigating some health uncertainties. I had just been diagnosed with dementia, and while my wife was in remission from cancer, we didn’t know how long that remission would last. We both understood that there might come a time when we’d need extra support and we wanted to be prepared.
Wixams offered us what we were looking for, a welcoming, supportive community with the privacy of our own front door when we needed time alone. It gave us peace of mind and really, everything we needed. Sadly I lost my wife shortly after we moved in.
We had been living in a four-bedroom house, so moving to a two-bedroom apartment meant we had to downsize significantly. But caring for a large home and garden had become overwhelming. Here, I can still enjoy the gardens, but I no longer have to do the upkeep myself. That’s been a huge relief.
One of the highlights of my week is choir practice, we have a resident led group that rehearses regularly and puts on performances. I also take part in a group designed for people living with dementia, where the pace is gentler and tailored to our needs.
Wixams Village in Bedford
There’s always something happening here. From live music to games and social events, the activities programme is vast. The Bistro really is the heart of the village. Whether you arrive with friends or on your own, you’re never alone for long before someone will invite you to join them. It’s a wonderful place to connect and make new friends. The friendship circles just keep growing.
For someone living with dementia, being here is so much better than trying to manage out in the wider community. On difficult days, when I might not know where I’m going, there’s always someone be it staff or another resident who will gently check in and offer a hand. “Are you alright John?” “Do you need help getting home?” That kind of everyday kindness makes a world of difference. The care team know me and understand what I need, and they offer support in a respectful, low-key way. It’s at the level I need it to be.
My children and grandchildren were supportive of our move from the start. We invited them to look around with us when we were deciding. One of my sons said, “Alright then, when are you moving in?”- that sealed it. They saw how much we were struggling in the big house, especially during COVID, and they knew how important it would be for us to have people around.
The village has just the right balance of openness and security. We have resident-activated doors and our own front doors, so the space feels like a real community, friendly and accessible, but also private and secure. Only residents and staff can come and go freely. It’s great having all the bills in one place. I feel it’s a lot of money, but I don’t think it’s expensive. If someone were considering a move to a place like Wixams, I’d say come visit. Sit in the Bistro, have a coffee, meet a few people. That’s the best way to get a real feel for the community.
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