Starling Homecare brought local residents together for a dementia-friendly cinema experience at The Odyssey Cinema in St Albans. Together we enjoyed a relaxed morning screening of the much-loved musical Calamity Jane. The morning was filled with familiar songs, laughter, popcorn and happy memories.
More importantly, it gave people an opportunity to spend time with others and reconnect with their community. Everyone could enjoy a welcoming cinema visit in a supportive setting.
A dementia-friendly cinema experience is a film morning arranged so that people living with dementia can enjoy it comfortably. As well as the person themselves, family, friends and companions come along too. For the families we support, mornings like this help everyday pleasures stay within reach.
A film filled with memories
For many of those who attended, Calamity Jane was much more than a film.
Its music, characters and story brought back memories of childhood, teenage years and family cinema visits. For instance, one guest said the film transported her back to when she was first married. Similarly, others remembered watching films like these with their families when they were young.
In fact, several people found themselves singing along to songs they had known for decades.
One attendee described the morning as “wonderful” and said it made her feel “glad to be alive”. Another told us:
“I could sing all the songs.”
Moments like these show how familiar films and music can unlock meaningful memories. They start conversations and help people feel connected to the experiences that have shaped their lives.
Feeling welcomed, included and supported
We wanted everyone attending the screening to feel comfortable, valued and included. The feedback we received afterwards meant a great deal to our team.
Guests told us that Starling Homecare made them feel:
“Very welcome.”
“Relaxed, well looked after, accepted and grateful.”
“Special, included and part of the community.”
One attendee simply wrote: “Starling, this is a good idea.” Another guest said that attending the cinema helped her feel “in touch with the outside world”.
For us, that comment captured exactly why community events like this matter. Older people and those living with dementia should keep having opportunities to enjoy familiar activities, meet others and feel part of their community.
What makes a dementia-friendly cinema experience special?
A dementia-friendly cinema experience is about much more than watching a film.
It is about making the environment feel welcoming and accessible. Above all, people can relax, sing, laugh and enjoy themselves without worrying about being judged or rushed. The Alzheimer’s Society has written about what makes a cinema dementia friendly. Mornings like this show the difference it makes locally.
In addition, it gives family members and companions a chance to share an enjoyable experience together. One guest expressed her gratitude for enabling her and her daughter to watch an old film in such a lovely venue. Others said that sharing the morning with the people around them made them feel happy, relaxed and part of a group.
One attendee summed up the experience beautifully:
“Happy, relaxed and looking forward to the next film.”
Helping people stay connected to their communities
At Starling Homecare, we believe good homecare should support the whole person. Practical assistance at home is important. So are companionship, confidence, meaningful relationships and opportunities to keep enjoying life.
This was our second dementia-friendly cinema experience in St Albans, following our dementia-friendly morning at the Odyssey in June. For us, these mornings reflect a simple commitment. We help older people and those living with dementia stay connected to the people, places and activities that matter to them.
For example, that might mean the cinema, a favourite café, a walk, or time talking with someone who genuinely cares. In each case, these experiences can make an important difference to a person’s wellbeing. It is the same thinking that shapes our dementia and Alzheimer’s care at home and our companionship care.
Thank you to everyone who joined us
We would like to thank every guest, family member and companion who joined us for the screening. We would also like to thank our Starling Homecare team for helping everyone feel welcomed and supported. Equally, our thanks go to The Odyssey Cinema for providing such a warm and memorable setting.
The film may have finished, but the smiles, conversations and memories created during the morning will remain with us. Of course, we are already looking forward to the next opportunity to bring people together.
Common questions about the dementia-friendly cinema experience
Why do familiar films and music matter for people living with dementia?
Familiar films and music can unlock memories that other prompts cannot reach. At our Calamity Jane screening, guests sang along to songs they had known for decades. In addition, several shared memories of childhood and early married life. These moments create conversation and help people feel connected to their own life story.
Who comes along to a Starling Homecare cinema morning?
These mornings are open to the whole community across St Albans, Harpenden and the surrounding areas. Anyone who feels they would like to attend a dementia-friendly screening is equally welcome and supported, whether or not we provide their care. Many of the people we support come along with family members and companions. Indeed, one guest told us how much it meant to watch an old film with her daughter.
How does a dementia-friendly cinema experience help people feel part of their community?
Attending the cinema helped one guest feel, in her words, “in touch with the outside world”. With the right support, a familiar local activity keeps that connection alive. As a result, people can stay close to the people and places that matter to them.
Starling Homecare is an independent, family-run homecare provider regulated by the Care Quality Commission. We support people across St Albans, Harpenden and the surrounding Hertfordshire communities. Our friendly St Albans team can tell you more about dementia care, companionship and personalised homecare. Call 01727 324 127 or email [email protected].
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