Dementia
activities and carers can take those they care for to day centres that offer them.
Days out Marcelo Navarro, owner of Walfinch East Barnet, London, and a trustee of Dementia Club UK, plus some of his care team, took four of their clients to Southend-on-Sea as part of a larger bus trip arranged alongside Barnet Council. As well as providing fresh air and new
experiences, it prompted reminiscence. Simon Clifford, a former professional violinist who has played for the Royal Family, said: “It was wonderful to see Southend again, and brought back memories of travelling along this coast with my wife, who passed away three years ago.” The group also went to Southend Sealife
Adventure Zooquarium, where they saw sea creatures including starfish, penguins, and in the zoo section, heard all about meerkats.
Marcelo says: “Days out like this are
an exciting change of scene and good for mental and physical health.” Marcelo and his team have also organised trips to Kew Gardens, an orchestral concert in Finchley, and a visit to Teapot Island in Kent, to see the UK’s biggest collection of teapots.
The science
Being outside can lower stress, improve your mood, and benefit overall wellbeing, according to the Alzheimer’s UK. The NHS recommends outdoor activities such as woodland walks or visits to sensory gardens. Designed to provide different sensory experiences, they can include scented plants, sculptures, textured touch pads, and water features. Even in the later stages of dementia, the senses remain active, so those living with dementia will be able to take part in activities focussed on touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight, which outdoor visits can provide. Dementia UK, which provides Admiral Nurses who specialise in dementia, says that meaningful activity helps people living with dementia maintain skills and independence, and in some cases improve the person’s ability to perform certain daily activities. Dr. Karen Harrison Dening, head of research and publications at Dementia UK, says: “Meaningful activities can include a range of things from the usual tasks of daily life, such as, cooking, cleaning, gardening, self-care, through to activities which engage like a call or a zoom session with a relative or friends.”
46 Props
Greg Renk, Walfinch franchisee managing director in Mid and South Buckinghamshire, says: “When a client with dementia gets frustrated and is reluctant to accept personal care, we offer them a twiddle muff [a knitted muff with items such as ribbons, pompoms or knitted toys attached]. People with dementia often have restless hands and these can deliver enough mental and physical stimulation to distract and calm them down. It’s very effective.”
The science
“A twiddle muff provides a source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation, and keeps hands snug and warm at the same time,” according to a twiddle muff fact sheet from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. The NHS adds that having objects to touch and interact with, and hand massage, as well as music, can all help people with dementia, especially in the later stages.
Clear conversations Carer Amarah Peters was on her first visit to an individual with Alzheimer’s. Amarah says: “I asked if she had had a good day and repeated it clearly while looking at her. Suddenly she said, ‘Yes.’ Her husband was overjoyed. It was the first time she had spoken properly in months!” Amarah, from the care team at Walfinch Mid and South Buckinghamshire, adds: “I then said, ‘You have a lovely husband,’ and she said, ‘Yes’ again! I’m trained in caring for people with Alzheimer’s so I know it’s important that they see you speak to them as well as hear it, but it was wonderful to see such positive results.”
The science Talking to people living with dementia is easier if they can see your face. Alzheimer’s UK points out: “Seeing your facial expressions and body language can be more helpful to a person with dementia.”
Recognising the expertise of carers Professionals in the care sector are experts by experience when it comes to enhancing the lives of people with dementia – and what they do is backed by science. All professional carers are trained in dementia care and can help everyone affected by dementia (patients themselves, their families and friends) to understand that it is not just medications that are valuable in dementia care, but the activities that carers provide.
n
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com November 2024 How can I avoid dementia?
Carers may be asked this. Factors such as age and lifestyle are involved, and genetics can play a part, but inherited dementia is rare. However, research suggests that 40 per cent of all cases of dementia could be prevented by: n Not smoking. n Drinking fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week.
n Controlling high blood pressure. n Keeping cholesterol at a healthy level. n Keeping active and exercising regularly.
n Maintaining a healthy weight. n Eating a healthy balanced diet. n Having regular hearing checks.
Amrit Dhaliwal
Amrit Dhaliwal brings together his commitment to care with a focus on delivering enhanced quality of service for clients across the UK. His care sector skills and experience as both a leader in care and as an award-winning businessman support a network of franchised home-based care offices across the UK.
As CEO of Walfinch, Amrit is committed to supporting franchisees to deliver a national homecare service that is of a high quality delivered by a team of caring, motivated, and dedicated carers. Walfinch’s aim is to become the UK’s leading quality care provider, and Amrit and his experienced team work closely with all Walfinch franchisees to enable them to provide the highest standard of care services.
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