Activities

Activities and activation within our care homes adds to the quality of life for our residents. It is important that each resident pursues their hobbies and recreational interests when in care for their own physical and mental well-being.

For residents with dementia it is even more important that as part of their personal care plan, we create a unique activities programme tailored according to their social history. This enables us to engage them throughout the day with positive interaction and stimulation and helps maximise their abilities.

Activities and activation can have a huge effect on the quality of life for the residents in our homes and helps to reduce depression, loneliness, boredom and dependency.

As such they are of fundamental importance, playing an essential component of the quality of life and of life and of the routine of the home. It helps relationship building between residents and staff. We look to make the following resources available in all our care homes:

• Each of our homes has a designated activities co-ordinator
• Training is given to staff involved in activities
• Variety of equipment and resources available
• Calendar of activities published on a monthly basis
• Tailored care plans, personalised for each resident

Why activities and activation?

Activity provision helps to maximise physical, social, cognition and learning opportunities. Quality of life is enhance, relationships between residents and staff are improved and the burden of care is reduced. All in all, activities are fundamental to human need and essential for people of all ages. Activities also support the health and well being of residents as well as encouraging social participation.

How can activities help someone with dementia?

Helping people with dementia to remain physically and socially active has a great impact on their well being, and activities and activation plays a vital role in helping to achieve this aim. Taking part in activities helps residents to maintain their skills and in turn encourages them to become more alert and interested in what is going on around them.

Many activities are designed to be interesting and fun. Carrying out simple tasks can also make residents feel better about themselves by giving them a sense of achievement. Some types of activity can even lead residents to express their feelings.

Types of activities

We arrange and provide a wide rage of activities. They cover a wide area of interests and vary considerably. Some of our activities are carried out in groups, whilst others are designed to give one to one time for those residents who are otherwise unable to participate. Some activities provide an opportunity to encourage physical movement and gentle exercise – the list is endless in terms of what can be offered and is influenced as much by physical need as well as personal taste. We encourage social activities, including playing board games, cards or gardening. Sometimes reminiscence plays an important part of the routine for residents.

Other activities include:

• Film clubs
• Music appreciation and interaction
• Recreational outings
• Chair based activities – games, radio, TV, reading, arts & crafts
• We often invite outside entertainers to visit our homes too. Local schools are also encouraged to allow pupils to visit the home and perform songs or other activities, including short plays or themes.