Lily Pins

15/11/2025

With temperatures forecasted to drop across the UK over the next few days, it’s important to make sure that we’re looking out for our loved ones living with dementia.

Winter can be a particularly difficult time for somebody living with dementia. The bad weather and colder temperatures can bring specific challenges, and can sometimes make symptoms temporarily worse.

They may not always be able to communicate that they are cold – or they might not even recognise it themselves.

Perception issues can also make it difficult for someone with dementia to see icy patches on a pavement or understand that a surface may be extra slippery.

So make sure to check in regularly on loved ones, friends and neighbours living with dementia, and follow our useful tips to help support them through the winter.

14/11/2025

We love to see the doggy visitors in care homes - they make all the difference!






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13/11/2025

We loved this news story! Care homes are amazing and need to be celebrated!

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11/11/2025

10/11/2025

How wonderful! https://www.facebook.com/share/17U5LBmCb9/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Congratulations to Maryette for graduating university at the age of 90! 🎓

Born in Londonderry, Maryette McFarland had originally started university in Dublin back in the 1960s, but dropped out to get married and start a family. After her husband died, Maryette decided she wanted to start studying again to fill her spare time, and so enrolled in an online course with The Open University. As the oldest of the 300 people in her course, a lot had changed since her first time at University, and Maryette had to ask help of her family to learn how to use a computer. Now 70 years after starting her studies, Maryette was finally able to graduate this month with a degree in English Literature.

"I can hardly believe it, and it's taken me quite a long time!" she said. To celebrate, Maryette's family came to Belfast to watch, and celebrated with a big family lunch. When asked what her advice would be for others who are worried they are too old to learn, Maryette said "If I can do it, anybody can do it. It's never too late!"

Congratulations on graduating Maryette, and for showing it's never too late to start! 💜

08/11/2025

Some wonderful music at Hazel End Care Home - this is what care home life is all about!

06/11/2025

We’re big animal lovers here at Lily Pins! We particularly love it when the amazing animal visit the care homes - they bring so much joy!

05/11/2025

Some tips for Fireworks Night. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CgKd5ZbBA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/11/2025

We love singing in the Lily Pins salons, and there is always some wonderful singing in the care homes we visit.

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Scientists tested saliva samples of care home residents with dementia and depression, before and after they took part in music-making.

03/11/2025

A good thought for a Monday!