01/07/2024, 18:00

June Newsletter 2024

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & Tips


DEMENTIA WORKSHOP

Loukia visited from University of Stirling to spark more magic moments for our Residents. Through a projector screen, we brought all four walls of the Day Centre to life with a vibrant and immersive interactive screen! From car racing and wildlife to tranquil fields, we overlaid soundbites to our moving images to prompt positive reminiscence. Jacqui, Kathleen, Cathy and many more were delighted over the visual and audio of ‘calming waves’…

dementia workshop
Dementia workshop
Dementia workshop

DEMENTIA SPECIALIST CARE TIP

We have learnt from our best teachers – our Residents. We observed and noticed that the healing power of music, such as a favourite lyric or familiar tune could unlock a treasure trove of memories and bring joyful moments to our Residents. When Residents were unsettled, or when communication was shutting down, music could magically calm and connect whilst anxiety slips away. The whole mood could change to contentment. 

Twelve years ago, we created playlists for every Resident with the help of their families and friends. We continue this care practice of thoughtfully using a favourite song list when providing assistance. We have to ensure we don’t overstimulate, have insignificant background music, or noise that overwhelms. Twelve years ago, we also started a free Wednesday singing group to help support families caring for loved ones living with dementia. Feedback from families informed us that besides providing a social opportunity and camaraderie, it seemed to increase attendees’ wellbeing when they returned home. We continued to look for corresponding research and wondered why singing in a group was like a super-drug. 

We read that when people sing together, their heartbeats synchronise and everyone’s wellbeing increases. We also learnt that we have more than one type of memory. Factual memory gets confused but emotional memory (the feelings) is retained. We noticed that the gifts of dementia are poetry, prayer, music and surprisingly swear words. When we met Teepa Snow, we learnt the impact of the amygdala and that this emotional hub remains relatively resilient to the cognitive decline. Teepa tells us that music has a way of slipping past the damaged areas of the brain, accessing emotions and memories that lie deep within. 

It’s as if it opens a door to the person hidden beneath the illness. We witness daily music evokes memories and emotion in all stages of dementia. Residents in advanced stages of their dementia who rarely speak, often respond even with their eyes still closed. We get these magical moments reminding us of the person they still are.


COMING SOON

July 1st-4th 
PAC Training with Teepa Snow. Check out our event page for details

July 1st-14th
Wimbledon Tennis

Teepa Snow event

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“HEY JUNE...”

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