Dementia Day Club FAQs

Day Club location include:

Tamar Court
Entrance via Trenleigh Drive
Worle
Weston-super-Mare
BS22 6NF

Currently every Wednesday

Yes. The current Day Club offer is based at Tamar Court and is currently available on Wednesdays only.

However, AYC is actively exploring opportunities to extend the offer to more days and locations across North Somerset in the future. We welcome enquiries from individuals, families, carers and professionals who may be interested in current or future Day Club sessions.

The Day Club is not designed to feel clinical or institutional. Our aim is to create a friendly club atmosphere where people feel known, welcomed and able to take part in a way that feels right for them.

Sessions may include music, reminiscence, sensory activities, arts and crafts, conversation, gentle wellbeing, seasonal activities and links with the wider community.

A key part of our model is also flexibility. Alongside the Day Club, we are developing outreach support for those occasions when someone cannot attend their usual session but would still benefit from contact, reassurance and meaningful support at home.

The current Day Club offer at Tamar Court is designed specifically for people living with dementia, memory difficulties or similar support needs.

AYC is also actively exploring opportunities to extend Day Club and day opportunity services to additional days and locations across North Somerset in the future. Where other offers are developed, we will consider the right grouping and environment carefully so people are supported in the most appropriate way.

The Day Club is currently available on Wednesdays.

AYC is actively exploring opportunities to extend the offer to more days and locations across North Somerset in the future, depending on demand, staffing, suitability, venue arrangements and the sustainable development of the service.

The Day Club currently offers three session options:

• 10:00am to 2:00pm
• 12:00pm to 4:00pm
• 10:00am to 4:00pm

Session options are subject to booking, suitability and availability. AYC will confirm current session times, availability and any future changes before attendance is agreed.

You can register interest by contacting AYC or completing the relevant Expression of Interest or registration form. The team will then review the information and contact you to discuss the next steps.

A member of the AYC team will contact you for an initial conversation.
This gives us the opportunity to understand the person’s needs, interests and circumstances, answer any questions, and explore whether the Day Club or outreach offer may be suitable.

You can visit our website for further information, including answers to frequently asked questions and registration options.
Website: www.accessyourcare.co.uk

Email: Dementia@accessyourcare.co.uk
Telephone: 01275 874861 option 2

Not necessarily. We welcome enquiries where someone has dementia, suspected dementia, memory difficulties or similar support needs.
Suitability is considered individually. The most important thing is understanding the person, what they enjoy, what support they may need and whether the Day Club is likely to be the right environment for them.

The Day Club will not be the right setting for everyone.
It is not intended to replace specialist care, nursing care, residential care, ongoing domiciliary care, or high dependency support. Some people may need a level of support that is greater than can safely be provided within a group setting.
Where this is the case, we will try to explain this sensitively and may suggest that a different type of support may be more appropriate.

Before someone attends, we will ask for some information through our enquiry or registration process.
This helps us understand the person’s needs, preferences, routines, communication, mobility, health, eating and drinking needs, medication arrangements, emotional wellbeing, emergency contacts and anything else that may help us support them well.
In some cases, we may also suggest a conversation with a family member, representative or professional before confirming attendance.

The Expression of Interest form is a light-touch first step. It allows someone to let us know they may be interested in the Day Club or outreach offer.
Full registration asks for more detailed information so we can understand the person’s needs and plan their support properly before attendance.
Completing an Expression of Interest or registration form does not automatically guarantee a place, but it helps us take the next step and have the right conversation with you.

Yes, where suitable and available, we may offer a trial session.
A trial session gives the person and their family the chance to see whether the Day Club feels right for them. It also allows AYC to understand whether the person can be supported safely, comfortably and appropriately within the service.
A 50% discount on trial sessions is available. Payment must be made in advance of the session.

That is very normal.
We understand that attending somewhere new can feel like a big step, particularly for someone living with dementia or memory difficulties. We will take time to understand what helps the person feel settled, what they enjoy, and whether any small adjustments may support a positive first visit.
Where appropriate, we may suggest a trial session or a gradual introduction.

This can be discussed with AYC.
In many cases, the aim is for the person to enjoy the Day Club with support from the AYC Team. However, we understand that some people may benefit from reassurance when first attending, and we will consider what is appropriate on an individual basis.

No.
People are encouraged to take part in a way that feels comfortable for them. Some people may enjoy joining in with activities, while others may prefer conversation, music, watching, listening, helping with small tasks, or simply being part of the group.
The aim is for the session to feel enjoyable and meaningful, not pressured.

Where possible, yes.
We try to understand each person’s interests, life history, routines, strengths and preferences. This helps us shape activities, conversations and engagement in a way that feels familiar and meaningful.

Lunch may be available as an optional extra or as part of the current service offer, depending on the arrangements in place at the time.
Where lunch is arranged, it will usually be provided by the North Somerset Community Meals Service and served by the AYC Team during the session.
Families can also choose for the attendee to bring their own lunch where appropriate.

This will depend on the person and the session, but useful items may include glasses, hearing aids, mobility aids, labelled medication where agreed, continence products where needed, a coat, and any personal items that help the person feel comfortable.
AYC will discuss anything specific before attendance.

This can be discussed on an individual basis.
Some people may be able to arrive or leave independently, while others may need support from family, carers or transport. We will consider what is safe and appropriate for the person and agree arrangements in advance wherever needed.

To support a calm and organised finish, collection can usually begin up to 30 minutes before the scheduled end time.
We ask that the person collecting the attendee arrives no later than 15 minutes before the session end time, unless otherwise agreed with AYC. This gives the team enough time to support attendees to finish activities, gather belongings, complete any handover and leave safely before the session closes.
This does not mean the session ends early. The final part of the session is used to support a positive and well-managed end to the day.

There is no Parking available on site and drop-off space may be limited.
Lobby space may also be limited.
We ask everyone to manage arrival and collection calmly and promptly, with consideration for other attendees, visitors, residents, staff and venue users.

Transport may be available by AYC, on request.
This is subject to availability, location, timing, suitability and AYC’s ability to arrange it safely and appropriately. Any transport fees or arrangements will be confirmed separately.

The Day Club can provide light support, prompting, reassurance and assistance that is appropriate within a community group setting.
This may include some support with daily routines, mobility, toileting prompts or reassurance where this can be managed safely and proportionately.
The Day Club is not designed to provide high levels of personal care, nursing care, complex manual handling or continuous one-to-one support throughout the session.

We will consider dietary requirements on an individual basis.
Individuals requiring food or drink aligned to the IDDSI framework can only be supported following prior review by AYC and receipt of a relevant assessment or guidance. AYC must be satisfied that the support can be provided safely and appropriately within the service.
Any such food or drink must be fully prepared and provided for the AYC Team to assist safely, unless AYC agrees otherwise in writing.

Some toileting support may be considered on an individual basis.
This may include prompting, reassurance, guidance or light assistance where this can be managed safely within the Day Club setting.
Where a person needs regular, complex or high levels of personal care, we will discuss whether the Day Club is the right setting or whether additional support may be required.

We will consider mobility needs individually.
The Day Club may be able to support people who need light assistance, reassurance, prompting or use of their usual mobility aid. However, the service does not support mechanical equipment such as hoists.
Where mobility needs are more complex, we will discuss this with you before attendance is confirmed.

We understand that needs can change over time.
If the person’s health, mobility, communication, medication, behaviour, risks or support needs change, please tell us as soon as possible. We may review the person’s support, attendance pattern or suitability so we can make sure the service remains right for them.

Please tell us about any allergies, medical risks, health conditions, emergency plans, DNACPR decisions, ReSPECT forms, advance decisions or other relevant information before attendance.
This helps us plan appropriately and respond in the right way if needed.

If someone becomes unwell or there is an emergency, AYC will take reasonable steps to respond appropriately.
This may include contacting emergency services, following emergency service guidance, contacting emergency contacts, providing basic first aid where appropriate, and taking reasonable steps within the training, competence and role of the team members present.

AYC staff supporting the Day Club receive training and guidance appropriate to their role.
The service is designed around dementia-aware support, safe practice, person-centred approaches and creating a positive experience for attendees.

They may be.
Volunteers, students and community contributors can bring energy, conversation, activity and community connection into the service. They support within appropriate role boundaries and under the direction or supervision of AYC.
Relevant checks and safeguards are completed in line with AYC procedures.

The Day Club is a group-based service, and our usual planning ratio is up to 1 member of the AYC Team to 4 attendees.
Some people may need additional support or a lower staff-to-attendee ratio because of toileting, mobility, falls risk, anxiety, communication, supervision, health-related needs or another assessed need.
Where this applies, AYC will discuss this with you. An enhanced staffing ratio supplement or additional support fee may apply where extra staff support is needed to provide the service safely, with dignity, and in a way that works well for everyone attending.

We consider the number of attendees, the environment, the activities taking place, individual support needs and staffing requirements.
We also ask attendees, representatives, families, carers and visitors to treat others with dignity and respect so the Day Club remains a positive environment for everyone.

One of the things that makes the AYC model different is that support does not always have to stop when someone cannot attend the Day Club.
Where suitable and available, outreach support can help maintain connection, routine and reassurance on those occasions when plans change, the person is having a more difficult day, or a carer would still benefit from a period of respite.
It is designed to complement the Day Club, not replace it.

No. Outreach support is subject to suitability, availability, location, timing, staffing, fees and AYC’s ability to provide the support safely and appropriately.
We will discuss the circumstances with you before confirming whether outreach support can be provided.

Where suitable and available, you may request for a cancelled Day Club session to be replaced with a peripatetic outreach session.
This is not guaranteed and remains subject to AYC’s agreement, staff availability, location, suitability and our ability to deliver the service safely and appropriately.
The standard outreach price applies unless outreach is arranged following a cancelled Day Club session, in which case AYC’s cancellation terms may affect the final charge.

Yes, where this has been agreed with AYC in advance.
Outreach support will usually take place at the attendee’s main residence, but we may be able to support a visit or activity in another suitable location, such as a local café, garden centre, community venue, shop, park or other familiar place.
This will depend on the attendee’s needs, the purpose of the visit, travel time, location, safety, staffing, risk assessment, and whether the activity can be completed within the agreed session time.
Where travel forms part of the agreed support, additional mileage or travel related charges may apply in line with AYC’s current Pricing Schedule.

Where support is provided in a person’s own home, it may fall within Access Your Care’s domiciliary care registration, depending on the nature of the support.
Where this applies, AYC may need to complete additional assessment, planning or record-keeping to make sure the support is delivered safely and appropriately.

An enhanced staffing ratio supplement may apply where AYC assesses that an attendee requires a lower staff-to-attendee ratio than the usual group model.
This might include support planned at a 2:1 ratio or, in some circumstances, agreed 1:1 support. The supplement helps cover the additional staffing resource needed to support the attendee safely and appropriately, while also keeping the service calm, fair and sustainable for everyone.
This reflects the additional staff time required where someone needs more support than can usually be provided within the standard group ratio.

Trial session discounts apply to the standard Day Club session fee only, unless AYC agrees otherwise in writing.
The discount does not usually apply to lunch, transport, mileage, outreach support, enhanced staffing ratio supplements, 1:1 support, special activities or other optional extras.

There may be additional charges for optional extras, special activities, trips, transport, mileage, lunch, outreach support, enhanced staffing ratios, 1:1 support or other items.
Any additional charges will be confirmed when available or provided on request.

Mileage is included within our hourly charges.
Additional mileage is only charged where travel forms part of the agreed support, such as attending an activity or travelling to another venue away from the main session location. Additional mileage is charged in line with AYC’s current Pricing Schedule.

Where suitable and available, you may request for a cancelled Day Club session to be replaced with a peripatetic outreach session.
This is not guaranteed and remains subject to AYC’s agreement, staff availability, location, suitability and our ability to deliver the service safely and appropriately.
The standard outreach price applies unless outreach is arranged following a cancelled Day Club session, in which case AYC’s cancellation terms may affect the final charge.

Yes, sessions are usually always charged in advance.
This helps AYC plan staffing, activities, session places and support arrangements safely and sustainably. Payment must usually be received before the relevant session or delivery period starts, unless AYC has agreed otherwise in writing.

Ongoing Day Club payments are usually always collected in advance by Direct Debit, unless AYC has agreed a different payment or invoicing arrangement in writing.
The registration form will guide you through the correct payment route. This may include setting up a Direct Debit or confirming an alternative arrangement that has already been agreed with AYC.

Yes. If someone is booking a trial session only, they do not need to set up an ongoing Direct Debit at that stage.
A trial session is still chargeable, but payment can usually be made before attendance by BACS or debit card over the phone. If the attendee continues with the Day Club after the trial session, AYC will explain the ongoing payment arrangements before further sessions are confirmed.

Setting up a Direct Debit does not automatically confirm a place or mean that payment will be taken before AYC has confirmed suitability, availability and attendance arrangements.
If the registration does not result in a successful suitability outcome, AYC’s finance team will cancel the Direct Debit arrangement, and no ongoing Day Club session charges will be taken.

Fees may change from time to time.
Where this happens, AYC will provide reasonable written notice before the change takes effect.

We understand that plans can change.
However, the Day Club relies on staffing, venue planning, lunch arrangements, activities and limited spaces being planned in advance. Individual session cancellation charges may therefore apply depending on how much notice is given.
Where suitable and available, AYC may be able to offer peripatetic outreach support as a short-term or one-off alternative when someone is unable to attend their usual Day Club session. This is not guaranteed and will depend on staff availability, location, timing, suitability and our ability to provide the support safely and appropriately.

Ending regular attendance or cancelling the service completely is treated separately from cancelling an individual session.
AYC requires notice in line with its Terms and Conditions. This helps us plan staffing, places, activities and the sustainable running of the service.

Where AYC has agreed an invoicing arrangement, invoices will be sent to the person, organisation, company, local authority, funding body or other agreed payer named in the registration form.
Please make sure the invoice details are correct and check spam or junk folders for any payment emails or invoices from AYC.

Yes. The Day Club may close during planned closure periods, including parts of Christmas/New Year and part of the summer holiday period.
AYC may also close, pause, reduce or change sessions where needed for staffing, training, venue availability, health and safety, safeguarding, low attendance, weather disruption or other operational reasons.
We will give as much notice as reasonably possible.

AYC will use personal information in line with UK data protection law and AYC’s Privacy Notice.
Information may be shared where necessary with staff, emergency services, healthcare professionals, safeguarding authorities, the Local Authority, payment providers, insurers, professional advisers or others where required or permitted by law.

Where appropriate, AYC may share updates with the agreed representative, family member or contact.
This may include general feedback about how the person is settling, any important observations, or anything we feel should be shared.

AYC may take photographs or videos during sessions for private updates, records, activities or promotional purposes only where appropriate consent has been obtained.
Consent for public marketing, website or social media use will be requested separately. Refusing consent for photographs or videos will not affect access to the service.