Maritime charity The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society was honoured to welcome its royal patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, on a special visit to its care home, Belvedere House, this month. The visit celebrated the Society’s enhanced sensory care offering and its ongoing commitment to supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of its residents and tenants.
During her time at the Society, The Princess Royal toured the recently modernised Belvedere House care home, spending time with residents, tenants, trustees and staff. She viewed new specialist facilities, including the sensory room, interactive screen and the newly introduced magic table – innovations designed to improve the quality of life for older people and those living with dementia. These features form part of the Society’s ongoing investment in providing a calming, engaging, and personalised environment for its residents.
Hosted by Chairman Philip Wake and Chief Executive David Dominy, Her Royal Highness met the leads of the Memory Café, longstanding tenants such as Anne MacLeod-Carey, a WWII WRNS centenarian, and relatives including Neil and Robert Faust, whose parents received care from the Society and who now actively support its fundraising efforts. The Princess Royal also engaged with the care, housekeeping, catering, and maintenance teams and spoke with Carmen Ruta, the Society’s longest-serving nurse.
Her Royal Highness has a longstanding relationship with the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, as patron she has previously visited in 2011 to open its first dedicated dementia wing and again in 2021 during the home’s modernisation programme. This year’s visit further highlights the Society’s commitment to continually enhancing the care environment and recognising the invaluable contributions of staff, volunteers, and families.
The event placed particular emphasis on the Society’s sensory care provision, which utilises the latest technology and tailored spaces to support individuals living with dementia and other complex care needs. These developments are designed to encourage a sense of stimulation and wellbeing, ensuring every resident is provided with dignified, person-centred care.
David Dominy, CEO of the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, said: “It was an honour to welcome HRH The Princess Royal back to Belvedere House and to showcase the exceptional dedication of our team. The Society has always strived to create a genuine sense of home for our residents. Our continued investment in modern, sensory-focused care reflects our determination to provide high-quality, person-centred care.
“Looking ahead, we will further embrace innovative technology within Belvedere House to enhance residents’ wellbeing and enrichment. We take immense pride in offering an environment where every individual feels engaged and valued, and the ongoing support of our patron, The Princess Royal, is greatly appreciated by staff, residents, and families alike.”
For more information, visit the Society’s website or Facebook page.
