Art from the heart - David & Rajini's Dementia Story

Every Thursday afternoon, creativity and companionship fill the activity room at Sage House, where paints, brushes, imagination and attendees all come together. At the heart of it all is David, whose passion for art, his devotion to his wife Rajini, who lived with dementia, and his kindness towards others have helped shape the warmth and sense of belonging that so many people find at Sage House.

As the volunteer leader of our Painting for Fun group David has now passed his 200th art session. For over seven years now, David has encouraged people to pick up a brush, experiment with colour, and express themselves, through his guidance and care.

For David, painting has always been more than an art form, it has been a way of connecting. “It inspires creativity, exercises the hands and the mind, and gives people a chance to express themselves in ways words sometimes can’t. It’s wonderful when a carer realises the person they support has an enjoyment for painting,” David reflects. “We often see new artists in the making, and it’s fabulous.”

When Sage House first opened, David and Rajini attended many activity sessions together, finding moments of laughter and peace in a shared environment. As Rajini’s health declined, she began attending our Day Break service, which offered cognitive stimulation, mobility support, and engagement in activities, continuing the sense of connection and enrichment that art and the other therapeutic sessions had provided. When Rajini could no longer attend and moved into a care home, David continued to volunteer, keeping their connection with Sage House through the sessions they once enjoyed together.

Rajini sadly passed away earlier this year, but her presence at Sage House remains,

through David’s art and volunteering. For David, continuing to volunteer is a way to honour Rajini, to celebrate what they both valued, and to share his passion with others who may find joy, companionship, or even hidden talent in painting. “It’s so rewarding to see people of all abilities creating their own individual designs, exercising their mental, physical, and social skills at the same time”, which as David says, “is where the therapy lies”.

Each activity provided by Sage House offers more than just completing the activity - it creates shared experiences, memories and a sense of togetherness for everyone involved.

Our Christmas Double Up Appeal is underway! Can you help us reach our £200k goal to help change the lives of families living with dementia? Every donation made up to the 23rd December will be doubled, thanks to match funding, giving your kind gift double the impact.

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