Two weeks ago, we welcomed Dementia Adventure back to the Long Barn for the twelfth time.
They visit us twice a year, bringing one of their Dementia Adventure supported holidays to the North York Moors. Over the years we’ve looked forward to their arrival just as much as they have, and looking back over those twelve visits, we’re reminded why saying yes all those years ago was one of the easiest decisions we ever made.
Why We Said Yes
When Dementia Adventure first approached us, we didn’t need time to think. We said yes straight away.
For Jackie, it was personal. Both her stepdad and her dad lived with dementia, so she has seen first-hand the impact it has, not only on the person living with dementia, but on everyone who loves and cares for them. That experience has made every visit from Dementia Adventure especially meaningful.
A Holiday with Purpose
Each supported holiday brings a small group of people living with dementia, together with their family carers, to stay at the Long Barn. They are supported throughout the holiday by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers from Dementia Adventure.
For four nights, the Long Barn becomes their home.
Every day brings a new adventure. A local community minibus takes the group exploring, with visits often including Helmsley, Castle Howard, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Ryedale Folk Museum and the Yorkshire coast for fish and chips. There is always time to stop at cafés, enjoy the scenery and simply spend time together.
One evening they enjoy a meal at our village pub, just a five-minute walk from the Long Barn. During every visit, our wonderful local choir also comes to perform in the West Barn, something that has become a much-loved part of their stay.
Our location works perfectly because there is so much to discover within a short drive. We’re also incredibly fortunate to have a community that is always willing to play its part in making these holidays special.
The Power of Music
When our local choir arrives, the chairs are set out in the West Barn and, as soon as the music begins, the building comes alive. The acoustics are wonderful.
Music has an extraordinary ability to unlock memories for people living with dementia.
One moment from those twelve visits has stayed with us more than any other. Ian and I were sitting together on the mezzanine, listening from above, as the choir sang The Wild Rover. We watched one gentleman gently swaying in time with the music, completely absorbed in the moment. You could see the familiar song bringing back memories and the joy it brought him.
It was incredibly moving, and it’s a memory we’ll never forget.
More Than a Holiday
The Long Barn is always a happy place. We welcome families celebrating milestone birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and holidays with friends.
These holidays feel different. They remind us that a holiday is about much more than somewhere comfortable to stay. It’s about making memories together, enjoying new experiences and taking a break from everyday routines. Just as importantly, it gives family carers the chance to relax too.
Watching the Long Barn being used in this way makes us enormously proud.
Why It Means So Much
As the minibus heads off each morning on another adventure, we’re reminded how fortunate we are to live in a part of the country with so much to offer. Beautiful countryside, welcoming market towns, the coast and historic places are all within easy reach.
But what stays with us most isn’t the places they visit. It’s seeing families spending precious time together.
Every visit makes Jackie think of her own family and had her mum and stepdad had known about Dementia Adventure. Having the chance to get away together, supported by experienced volunteers, is exactly the sort of opportunity they would have valued.
Across twelve visits, the Long Barn has simply provided the setting. The real story has always been the people.
After twelve visits, we’re just as pleased we said yes as we were the very first time.
About Dementia Adventure
Dementia Adventure’s vision is:
“A more active and fulfilled life for everyone living with dementia.”
Their approach is simple:
“With the right support, anything is possible.”
Over the past twelve visits we’ve seen first-hand how Dementia Adventure supported holidays help people living with dementia and their families enjoy meaningful time together.
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