Purposeful activity for people living with dementia
The opportunity to engage in purposeful activity is central to the dementia care service provided at the St Monica Trust. It’s not simply taking part in the many spontaneous as well as organised recreational activities. It’s about being supported in such a way that everyday activities of daily life have meaning and value, encourage understanding and also address individual psychological needs.
Explains Occupational Therapist at The Russets, Julie Drew, “Joan likes to lay the table, ideally with flowers. Peter checks the windows and doors every night before signing off for bed. John values the sense of achievement he feels when he makes the eight steps from his bed to his doorway. For all our residents, purposeful activity means being encouraged to make the most of their abilities. Contributing to the community or playing a caring role, these are the bare bones of a day, enabled by an environment that nurtures dignity and respect.”
Social and recreational activities are an important part of the St Monica Trust dementia care service, whenever and wherever they occur, connecting with residents on many different levels. For Paula, baking a cake is about seeing it, sharing it, tasting it. For Myra it’s a chance to rub fat into flour, feel the texture of the breadcrumbs and perhaps to associate with something pleasurable that she used to enjoy. A special dinner in the club house is a chance for Moira to play host and for Geoffrey to relax with the music and dancing.
Purposeful activity is about understanding which activities support each person as an individual, providing stimulation and creating opportunities. “We’re simply the signposts,” adds Julie, “We encourage things to develop in a certain direction, but it’s our residents who then really take it away.”
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It’s the end of another Singing for the Brain session at the Orchards dementia care facility and calm falls on the group.
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Eileen is teaching support worker, Mike to knit. “The thing is, Eileen, I’ve taken an order for another jumper.”
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