PEOPLE living with dementia at a Taunton care home are enjoying a unique support mechanism - their very own PUB.

The Cock & Bull was officially opened at the Rectory Care Home on Valentine's Day and has been serving a bountiful selection of drinks to the residents ever since.

But far from being simply a social venue for residents, the ‘pub’ - an idea forged by residents and staff at the South Street facility - it is also a way of combating 'sundowning', which sees symptoms among those with dementia get worse, later in the day.

"There is a selection of alcoholic (dependent upon need) and non-alcoholic beverages available and there is even some homemade organic wine made from the grapes harvested from the garden of the care home," said a spokesperson for the home.

"As the home specialises in dementia and recognises the effects of ‘sundowing’, the pub was suggested as a good support mechanism for those suffering from this condition.

"Since the pub has been in use there has been a significant improvement in the cases of sundowning in the home as people now take pleasure in ‘going to the pub’ after tea and having a game of cards or a good old sing-a-long."

To add to the authenticity of the venue, the pub also boasts its own slot machine, although staff are currently hoping for a high-profile repair job to be done on the vintage machine.

"The home also purchased an old slot machine to add authenticity to the ambiance, but unfortunately the slot machine is not fully functioning at present," the spokesperson added.

"The home has contacted the BBC show the Repair Shop and is hoping for some assistance to get the slot machine up and running again."

But in the mean time, residents are making the most of their new facility - and feeling the benefits.

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