“The feeling of rain on my face. It’s wonderful.”

One morning, resident William who lives at Cumbernauld Care, asked Wellbeing Lead Kim if they could go for a walk. It was windy but bright, so they set off to the Peace Gardens in Greenfaulds, near Cumbernauld. Halfway round the park, the sky opened and they were absolutely soaked.

William held out his hand to feel the rain, then washed the water over his face and smiled. 

“It’s amazing. The feeling of rain on my face. It’s wonderful.”

William.

They laughed all the way out of the park as hailstones began to fall before drying off at home and warming their hands around a mug of tea.

“I think about that walk a lot,” said Kim. “We could have turned back the second it started raining. But William wasn’t bothered, he just sat there with his hand out smiling. It made me really appreciate the work I do." 

Kim Black, Wellbeing Lead, Cumbernauld Care

Strong sensory experiences with a nostalgic element like the feel of rain or the smell of cut grass are increasingly recognised as powerful for people living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society highlights sensory stimulation as a meaningful way to support mood, reduce agitation and trigger positive memories. 

“It would've been easy for Kim to head back when it started to rain but to be with William, embracing the elements and the wonderful feelings and memories that brought him, shows how person-centred care can make such a difference to those living with us,” explains Cumbernauld Care Home Manager, Nicola McCormick.

"We'll definitely be going out in the rain more."

Cumbernauld Care Home on Abbotsford Road is now welcoming new residents for compassionate residential, nursing and dementia care.